COMPOSERS: Mendelssohn
LABELS: Collins Classics
WORKS: Overture and Incidental Music to A Midsummer Night's Dream Op. 21/61; Overture Ruy Blas Op. 95
PERFORMER: RSO Junior Chorus; Royal Scottish Orchestra/Walter WellerAlison Hagley; Louise Winter
CATALOGUE NO: 1361 2 DDD
The RSO's new recording of the complete incidental music to Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream has a wonderfully light ensemble touch and outstanding solo playing from all corners.
Orchestra and conductor create a tantalising sense of excitement as each set of characters is introduced in the overture. Soloists Alison Hagley and Louise Winter and the Royal Scottish Orchestra's Junior Chorus all play their parts to perfection, and the taxing horn solo of the Nocturne sails by without a quiver. The only fly in the ointment is the overblown Wedding March, which always comes as something of a musical shock when it's heard in its original context. A fine recording. Tessa Williams