Top of their game...

Maestro at work: Simon Rattle & the Berlin Phil

WAGNER, SIBELIUS & RAVEL

Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle

BBC Proms, 30 August 2012

Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic are always a big draw when they're in London, and this concert was certainly no different.  Tickets were speedily snapped up and prommers queued for hours outside the Royal Albert Hall to experience the acclaimed conductor in action.

The audience were jostling with nervous excitement as the orchestra stepped on stage, but a calmness fell as the first notes of Ligeti's Atmosphères reverberated around the huge hall.  It is a piece which evolves through a series of shifting sound clusters, giving the impression of simultaneously moving forward and staying still.  The tones and timbres melted into one another beautifully, making for a wonderful listening experience.  That feeling was conveyed into the next piece, the Prelude to Act I of Wagner's romantic opera Lohengrin, as Rattle moved seamlessly between works, without stopping for applause.  The orchestra radiated a real warmth throughout, especially from the strings and horns.

Next up was Sibelius' Symphony No. 4 — an unconventional interpretation of the traditional four-movement structure, which was written in 1910/11 as the threat of war loomed over Europe.  Although this is regarded by some as Sibelius' greatest work, it isn't as popular in the concert hall, and it soon becomes clear why.  The music has a darkness about it and even though it was played brilliantly, a sense of melancholy lingered in the air.

The mood changed after the interval, as the Berlin Phil returned with some lively French music, starting with Jeux (Games) — Debussy's last orchestral work, originally intended to accompany a ballet.  Rattle appeared entirely comfortable, conducting from memory, and the players responded by bringing out the piece's playful nature.

However, they saved the best until last with Ravel's ballet music Daphnis et Chloe (Suite No. 2).  Rattle seemed to glide over the orchestra, arms outstretched, as the fiendish wind parts rippled over the top of rich harmonies. The piece showcased the abilities of both orchestra and conductor, making it easy to understand why they are lauded the world over — together, they are mesmerising.

INTERESTING FACT: Simon Rattle conducted the London Symphony Orchestra at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, with Rowan Atkinson on the keyboard as his comedy alter-ego, Mr. Bean.

A Rêvelation...

Nocturnal magic: The Night Circus

THE NIGHT CIRCUS
by Erin Morgenstern

"The circus arrives without warning... It is simply there, when yesterday it was not."

There is something alluring about the idea of a circus which pops up out of nowhere and opens its gates once everyone else has gone to bed.  Add in some magic, two star-crossed lovers, a deadly duel and some Victorian charm and you'll have some idea just how bewitching The Night Circus is.

Set in the late 19th century, Le Cirque des Rêves (the Circus of Dreams) brings together two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who must compete against each other in a mysterious challenge, which uses the circus as its setting.  There are a series of black and white tents, each home to dazzling exhibits and extraordinary acts (and not a clown in sight).  But as the contest plays out, the fate of circus and its inhabitants becomes increasingly precarious, building up to a dramatic showdown.

The story jumps around between different times and characters, but the sections are cleverly punctuated by short chapters where you feel like you are in the circus yourself - witnessing the contortionist's astonishing feats, getting lost in the hall of mirrors, watching kittens doing tricks and smelling the delicious scent of caramel.  It puts you right at the heart of the action.

Considering this is Erin Morgenstern's first novel, her writing style feels well-established and the world she's created is described in vivid detail.  You'll be dreaming of striped tents and caramel apples long after you've turned the final page.

INTERESTING FACT:  Erin Morgenstern is also a talented artist and has spent the past few years painting a black and white tarot deck.