A magnificent evening at the Cadogan Hall

Wagner’s Liebestod (“Love Death”) from Tristan & Isolde must surely be one of the most intense and profoundly moving pieces in the entire classical music reportoire. This evening I heard it performed live, along with Strauss’s Four Last Songs, which are also extremely beautiful (especially Im Abendrot), and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2.

I can’t say I have ever been to a performance quite like this evening’s. The Orion Orchestra, which performed conducted by Toby Purser, is comprised of young musicians who were highly competent. The sopranos (Alwyn Mellor and Susan Gritton) were experienced and absolutely excellent, both turning in flawless performances.

The Liebestod is a unique piece of music: powerful, meandering, haunting. It is like being carried by a sea – it lulls and soars. It is Wagner at his most epic, most tragic and – I think – most moving. I can’t show you film of this evening, so I have placed below an acclaimed performace by Birgit Nilsson instead.

It felt like something of an honour to be there this evening listening to this music and it will stay with me forever.

Oops! The latest free Adobe Flash Player™ is required to view this content.