5* review
Daniele Rustioni brings a magical spell to the Ulster Orchestra’s season opener
“This concert was a bittersweet affair after the announcement that Daniele Rustioni is to leave the Ulster Orchestra at the end of this season. His tenure has been marked by some highly memorable performances, this one being no exception. To a packed Ulster Hall, the audience were given an evening of very fine music-making in an inventive French and Russian programme.
Beginning with Dukas’ ever popular The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, it become there clear there was nothing novice-like about Rustioni’s vision which had freshness and impact. The strings had a brightness and the woodwinds cut through the textures. Throughout, the bassoons had the most infectious fun, with some raspy contrabassoon playing initiating a giggle or two. We revelled in the energy in this all too familiar work.
…Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances opened the second half. Rustioni’s tempo choices ensured there was strong contrast in each dance, always with a sense of movement. In the more expressive Girls’ Dance, Rustioni avoided any sentimentality, keeping the pulse strictly measured. He gently shaped the cantabile lines beautifully, one of the best performances I’ve ever heard.
Closing the night was the Second Suite from Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé, which was utterly beautiful from beginning to end, Rustioni balancing the orchestra perfectly, with every line crystal clear. The Lever du jour was radiantly warm, watery and highly evocative; the Pantomime seductive and atmospheric, with exceptional woodwind playing. The Danse générale impressed with its technical brilliance.
This was a strong programme on paper and even better in execution. For an orchestra with many new faces on the platform — with extra players and deputies – the playing was exceptional. Every player gave Rustioni exactly what he wanted.”
Bachtrack, Leighton Jones