To cram the huge forces required to perform the Berlioz Requiem into the Usher Hall was a challenge that the Festival authorities met head on and, on the whole, with flying colours. The sixteen timpani stretched across the platform behind the orchestra and in front of the chorus. Two of the brass bands were either side of the stage, with the other two at the outer ends of the Grand Circle. The tenor soloist was not required to sit around on stage awaiting his turn, but was able to shimmy in from one of the side doors, do his stuff (briefly) then shimmy out again. All very well planned. The loud bits were, of course, extremely loud, but they were also spread out and in no way overwhelming.
The great Spanish conductor Frühbeck was a rare and extremely welcome visitor to Scotland, even when not playing Spanish music, as he did at other concerts.
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