The most interesting feature of this performance is that the decision was taken to employ Mozart's re-arrangement of the orchestration. This did not just extend to the addition of clarinets and horns, but required a complete rethink of the performance style. A fascinating occasion.
The original team of soloists were all recent graduates of the Academy in Glasgow. Sadly, the baritone Richard Burkhard, who went on to a highly successful career with most of the British companies, was forced to drop out. His replacement, David Marsh, had worked regularly with Scottish Opera, but only arrived in Dundee minutes before the start, and did remarkably well in the circumstances.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra very rarely appears in Dundee, the Caird Hall being thought too large. Their usual venues locally are St Andrews and Perth. They sounded quite at ease, and of course the Mozart tinkerings suited them perfectly.
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