The Liverpool Orchestra show was a special event, focusing on the work of John Barry.
Those in the know about film and music are likely to have heard his name; he had a career spanning 50 years, and received many prestigious awards including 5 Oscars and a Golden Globe. His most acclaimed work includes Goldfinger, Dances With Wolves, and Born Free.
The concert aimed to appeal to everyone; for those not overly familiar with classical music there were enough recognisable tunes to satisfy, including the James Bond themes and the opening symphony of Robbie Williams’ ‘Millennium’ (In the 90s both he and Dr Dre used Barry’s music) and for the enthusiasts there were legendary pieces such as ‘Mary Queen Of Scots’, which contained an absolutely stunning violin solo.
One of Barry’s most popular composures was used in a film starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, called ‘Somewhere In Time’. The flowing notes lull you into a dreamlike state, before crashing into crescendo. There’s something truly incredible about watching a group playing so many different instruments in such perfect synchronicity, and the Liverpool Orchestra didn’t disappoint.
Dances With Wolves contained the humble harmonica as the primary sound, an instrument generally associated with busking on street corners. I will never see it quite the same again. It was so haunting and atmospheric, I’d have sworn I was actually on the horse with Kevin Costner.
John Barry wrote music from opposite ends of the spectrum, melodic and flowing, to make you reminisce and regret, but also grand and dramatic pieces, that make the heart beat a bit quicker. You would think that just sitting and listening would be relaxing, but some melodies were so evocative that you’re left feeling like you’ve been on a day trip to Alton Towers. The orchestra performed all of the tunes with precision and feeling, and were perfect in their timing.
They were instructed by Nicholas Dodd, who was quite possibly the most dynamic conductor I’ve ever seen. After every song he turned, acknowledged the audience with his hand on his heart, and encouraged the musicians to stand and appreciate their applause.
The show ended with the James Bond theme tune. I’m not a fan of the films, but listening purely to the music is a different experience. The orchestra make it possible to appreciate them playing in total harmony, but also to be able to pick out every sound that makes the whole. Alongside the violins, drums and cello I could hear the harp, xylophone and triangle. At school no one ever wanted the triangle, it was always left in the box for the unlucky person. Tonight I wished I had practiced it, because watching an orchestra is one of those moments where you really believe in magic. And you wish with all your heart that you could join in! If you’ve never had the opportunity to see an orchestra, it should definitely be on your ‘to do’ list.
Review by Acaycia Lewis
