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.