| There has been something of a nostalgic throwback this week to contemporary music concerts of yesteryear, always overrunning with stage-changes and the unpredictability of how long new works are. Fifteen minutes beyond schedule for PCM8 (a Tribute to Oliver Knussen) and now thirty for this current Prom. In the event only a few of the audience (including a notably packed Arena) felt they could tear themselves away as the clock ticked towards midnight. ... Greenwood’s Penderecki-inspired Horror vacui (the fear of empty space) follows his Polish hero’s move from electronics to being able to make similar sounds and effects live with stringed instruments. ... At points I was reminded of Symphony of Sorrowful Songs and The Protecting Veil. |