Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

I admit to having been unconvinced by the idea of the RSNO’s new Symphonies at Six series. Rushing straight from work to the performance, I was running serious risks of a rumbling stomach and lack of concentration.

These concerns were largely projected on to Guy Johnston who opened the concert playing Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

In spite of it’s popularity, this concerto offers little in the way of attention-grabbing virtuosity, beginning with a completive recitative. If anything, Johnston’s interpretation was less forthright than most, with a restrained dynamic and using minimal vibrato – a brave move given the circumstances.

Happily, the effect was marvellous, gently drawing each listener to Elgar’s doleful melodies and opulent tonality, allowing the intensity to build little by little the audience found themselves deep within the anguish of the music.

Carla Whalen