The Classic FM Concert Series at The Sage Gateshead has featured some memorable performances by soloists from the ranks of the Northern Sinfonia, and none less so than the latest fronted by principal horn Peter Francomb. A player with an impressive part of the solo horn repertoire under his belt, Francomb made light work of Mozart’s fourth and the most demanding of his horn concertos. It was a rendering that can only be described as immaculate. Francomb’s phrasing was crisp and lovingly integrated with refined playing from the strings. The aching slow movement oozed pathos, without falling into the trap of sentimentality, while there were no bars held in a thrilling rondo. The programme notes made reference to Dennis Brain’s 1950s recording of the work being the best to date. Francomb is a worthy successor to the man. Greig’s Holberg Suite opened the concert; the sinfonia’s string ensemble directed with consummate skill by co-leader Kyra Humphreys, from the violin. The light charm of the work was conveyed with a direct freshness. The Air was given spacious treatment, while the Rigaudon was as sprightly as could be delivered. Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik was perfectly pitched. If Francomb provided the solo treat of the evening, the collective highlight came from the sinfonia’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s chamber work, the Souvenir de Florence. The players hurled themselves into the work with a spirited opening movement. Tchaikovsky described the piece as having “six independent and equal voices” and as being “incredibly difficult” to play. Humphreys did a sterling job of marshalling the small ensemble to generate a richness of sound larger orchestral forces would have been proud of. A spontaneous whistle of appreciation from a member of the audience greeted the conclusion of the first movement. Everyone agreed with the sentiment. The atmospheric slow movement was played with heartfelt conviction, while phenomenal string playing drove the performance to a scorching climax. An enriching evening.

Gavin Engelbrecht