The Classical Symphony: The Northern Sinfonia, The Sage, Gateshead

THE Northern Sinfonia, which is midway through a survey of the romantic symphonies of Brahms and Schumann, took time to reflect on the music of three 18th Century composers who laid the foundations for the symphonic form.

Conducted by Nicholas McGegan, the concert opened with Mozart’s Symphony No 15, written when the composer was a mere stripling.

McGegan set a breezy pace, accentuating the youthful impetuosity of the work.

Brazilian cellist Antonio Meneses then stepped up to give a refined account of Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C.

Each note was crisp, crafted and cleanly delivered, with Meneses blazing through the cadenza in the opening movement, while the adagio brimmed with barely restrained passion.

The Sinfonia players, who have recorded the work with Menenes, were supportive and responsive throughout, and drove the Allegro molte to a heady climax.

The work of Johann Christian Bach (the youngest of 11 sons of the great JS Bach) is rarely performed. His melodious Symphony in B flat came as a pleasant surprise, with a highlight being an enchanting aria from oboist Adrian Wilson.

The concert was rounded off with Haydn’s Symphony No 101 in D “The Clock”.

McGegan, an expert in 18th Century music, injected it with an infectious enthusiasm.

Those who waited after the concert were treated to the latest in the Sinfonia’s Spotlight performances, which showcase the talents of some of its players.

Violinist Sasha Raikhlina was joined by harpsichordist Mie Hayashi-O’Sullivan in a keenlyarticulated account of JS Bach’s Violin Sonata No 4. It was an extremely rewarding bonus.