Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

ACO: Brahms and Mozart

by Suzanne Yanko 3rd September, 2015
by Suzanne Yanko 3rd September, 2015
218

The Australian Chamber Orchestra established its impressive credentials playing music of the Classical and Baroque periods, which suit its size and the director’s style of conducting from within the orchestra. Yet Richard Tognetti has been open to contemporary works and projects that have seen the ACO stay among the foremost ensembles of its type, not just in Australia but well beyond.

By including a work such as a Brahms symphony in this program the ACO took on a new challenge, to expand its ranks and yet retain its distinctive sound while performing a massive and complex work. In meeting the challenge it certainly did no harm that the guest artists came from fine orchestras within Australia and overseas.

Playing to a full house, the augmented ACO began its concert of Mozart and Brahms with the Overture to The Magic Flute. The declamatory chords that opened the piece were a fine way to start the concert, and the music soon settled to a mellow Mozartian theme that was familiar territory for the orchestra.

Director Richard Tognetti gave the lead to the counterpoint section which was brisk and seemingly effortless. There were winds to complement the strings, and the brass was heard to be more of a presence than usual with this ensemble. Tognetti sometimes conducted while playing the violin, and at other times used his bow as a baton. Both methods worked given the deep understanding between the director and orchestra, with the dynamics and occasional syncopation adding diversity and interest.

The transition to the other Mozart work, his Sinfonia Concertante In E-Flat Major was almost a segue as violist Christopher Moore subtly positioned himself for his dialogue with Tognetti, this being the central feature of this work. After a beautifully managed crescendo the violin and viola played as one, the effect being smooth and mellow. It was lovely to hear the viola (tuned to E flat) as a worthy partner to the violin, never better then in their shared cadenza at the end of a long first movement. (It should be noted that the ACO’s practice of elevating its members to soloist roles works well, with no shortage of worthy players).

In the Andante, with a rhythm that recalled Mozart’s requiem, Tognetti’s violin (a 1743 Guarneri) was plangent, echoed by the 1610 Maggini viola Moore plays, and grounded by its deeper tone. The soloists had a nice synchronicity, only at very occasional moments seeming a little tentative. As for the wider ensemble, the unity of purpose of the ACO is one of its most notable characteristics, shown as it kept meticulous time when Tognetti was too preoccupied to give his full attention to conducting. Another cadenza impressed with its timing, particularly given the number of trills for the soloists. A Presto worthy of the name saw Moore leading the orchestra into a movement of quintessential Mozart sound, the all important phrasing led by the soloists’ examples. If softer reiterations occasionally lost some sparkle, the brightness was recaptured to bring the work to a lively conclusion … with some humour!

After interval a came the major work of the night after which the concert itself was named. Brahms 3 or, more accurately, Brahms’ Symphony No.3 in F Major. The strong horn section gave power to the huge sound that opened the work, quite atypical of the ACO’s repertoire but welcome nevertheless. A lovely, lilting subject followed with the winds adding interest to the development. The brass brought the sound to a newly powerful level, reminiscent of Beethoven.

It was an achievement for Tognetti to conduct this work while also playing, occasionally dashing to the rostrum to keep control but mostly from a raised platform in the first violin section. More great declamatory subjects followed and a swell of orchestral sound that faded as quickly as it came.

The Andante with a quiet flowing melody was led by winds and horns with the strings silent for time until a quiet hymn-like subject led by Tognetti showed the strength and sweetness of this major section of the orchestra. In the next movement, poco allegro, there was integration of strings the winds were the soloists for a time as strings filled in the rhythm and harmony through to the delicate final chords.

The final Allegro had an almost ominous beginning but was still flowing, with a sense of anticipation. The trombone notes were sombre then led to an outburst of strong sound and drama. A series of long fortissimo accented notes heralded a dramatic turn in development. The orchestra was very responsive to these changing dynamics and although the ending was surprisingly quiet, the impression left was one of big satisfying sound.

 

 

 

 

0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmail
Suzanne Yanko

previous post
CD Review: Classic 100 Swoon
next post
MSO: Mozart Piano Concerto No.17

Events Calendar

35 events found.
  • July 2025

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

1 event, 2

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

Deep listening sessions, hosted by DJ Weary, presenting pristine original vinyl recordings in hi-fidelity sound. A night of celebration and reverence…

$22

3 events, 3

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

"Audacious, Thrilling, Transcendant" Experience the electrifying synergy of Richard Tognetti AO, the visionary Artistic Director of the ACO, and Konstantin Shamray, Australia’s most…

$37.83 – $153
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

Pure Musical Bliss Chief Conductor Jaime Martín presents a joyful program of classical and early romantic treasures. Join us for an…

$20 – $105
8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

1 event, 4

8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

Lizzy Scarlett and Samara Shanino, violin Eugenie Lyons, viola Darcy Gilkerson, cello Maddy Furlans, double bass Pat Jaffe, pianoAfter celebrating the…

$25 – $35

0 events, 8

0 events, 9

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

2 events, 11

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Strength, Vision and Legacy of Yorta Yorta…

$25 – $113
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

SET 1 Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda is back to perform in Melbourne, joined on stage by dear friend and cello…

$22

2 events, 12

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50

1 event, 13

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

1 event, 14

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

2 events, 17

7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

3 events, 18

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

AXIS MUNDI: spectacular sonic imaginations. ELISION presents a major concert of new music followed by a special late night event delivering…

$45 – $55
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

Lilly Yang, flute Rachel Lau, flute Amanda Pang, piano As part of an east coast tour, three Australian National Academy of…

$20 – $30
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

Inland and Astra present a special combined event celebrating one of Australia's leading international performers, clarinetist Anthony Burr,  a foremost interpreter of the music of Alvin Lucier (1931–2021).…

$15 – $30

2 events, 19

2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

0 events, 20

1 event, 21

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

1 event, 22

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

The Spirit of Invention. Vienna, 1785. Johann Friedrich Schink is blown away by a new work featuring the clarinet and basset…

$49 – $153

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

0 events, 25

1 event, 26

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

Homophonic! and The Consort of Melbourne are proud to present the Australian Premiere of 'Moonlite' by Wally Gunn (Music) and Maria…

$35.00 – $49.00

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

Playing the works from their vast back catalogue that have earned the brothers justifiable recognition as Australia’s finest classical guitarists.

$52 – $65

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 2
July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 3
July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4
July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 7
July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 10
July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 11
July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 12
July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 13
July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 14
July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 22
July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 26
July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

  • There are no events on this day.
July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 22
July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 26
July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
View Calendar

Classic Melbourne’s reviews policy

audio
Our point of differenceby Editor Suzanne Yanko

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Follow us on Facebook

Classic Melbourne

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Introducing Classic Melbourne

audio
Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

Your browser does not support the audio element.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

@2019 - All Right Reserved.

Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Read alsox

Baroque Tarantella

14th September, 2010

MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE REVIEW: Piers Lane

11th March, 2009

Riley Lee and Marshall McGuire – Goldfish...

27th January, 2023