Reviews for Gavin Higgins Horn Concerto
A co-commission between the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the London Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonie zuidnederland, Gavin Higgins Concerto was received very well in the press:
“Higgins's concerto is not just a passing commission but clearly something more quintessential, even existential, for him.”[★★★★★]
The ArtsDesk – 15th January 2024
“Higgins' horn concerto is confident, fluent and life-enhancing In his tenure as composer-in-association of the BBC NOW, a happy and productive relationship, Higgins’s scores for them have already made their mark. This concerto is a further success.” [★★★★]
The Guardian – 15th January 2024
“A brilliant horn concerto that has all the hallmarks of an immediate hit. It's a mighty oak of a concerto.” [★★★★]
The Times – 15th January 2024
“Those who heard and wrote about the premiere...were right: it is a cracking listen. I loved it... It's perhaps these elements in the work that has contributed to the well-deserved buzz around this premiere, securing Higgins's reputation [as one of] the UK's go-to-people for new classical music that audiences want to listen to.”
Thoroughlygood – 8th February 2024
“Gavin Higgins's new Horn Concerto looks set to enter the repertoire: compositionally, it exhibits knife-edge precision... Higgins's scoring is masterly...It was the Horn Concerto that stood out a country mile here. And I for one cannot wait to hear it live again!”
Seen and Heard International – 12th February
“British soloist Ben Goldscheider excels: his golden sound is pure and spacious, and it can withstand any devilish bounce”
“The squirming in the violins, their sliding tones and slow vibrato are as soundscape, the forest floor above which Goldscheider plays virtuoso with the timbres of his instrument: clear, shrill, muted.”
“Goldscheider was simply terrific, throwing off the challenging horn writing with complete charm and aplomb. Goldscheider, playing from memory, brought and effortless sense of line and style to the music, along with a warm even tone. There was an engaging insouciance to his performance too, particularly in the more ornamental moments. The free flowing middle movement also showcased Goldscheider's line and elegance, and I loved the way he dared to fine the tone right down.”
The soloist is asked to be a virtuoso when it comes to hand stopping – though that Goldscheider is. Goldscheider played with the utmost ease. Prior to the interval was Mozart’s conductorless Fourth Horn Concerto (the one with that rondo), with Goldscheider on extraordinary form.
