Halle: Huw Watkins album review Covid-era commissions capture energy and hope after lockdown

"In the symphony, tiny woodwind tendrils unfurl and curl around one another, creating a feeling of irresistible growth and motion, and turning into cartwheeling cascades. The slow movement has the feeling of a nocturne: gauzy, muted textures with glints of light, framing music of high agitation."

"The Concerto for Orchestra, recorded at its premiere last May, is of a different era but shares this striving, hopeful sensibility. It showcases every corner of the Halle, its clean-sounding harmonies dancing past in rhythms that intrigue the ear by skilfully wrongfooting it."

"These energised performances, with Mark Elder conducting, are a tribute to the musicians' resilience. Lockdown or not, Watkins' music here speaks of optimism, spring and rebirth."

The Halle Orchestra and composer Huw Watkins created this recording during the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing their collaborative relationship. The second symphony was co-commissioned by the Halle, which had previously premiered Watkins' first work. Concurrently, Watkins composed a Fanfare for the Halle, recorded in November 2020 as one of the first works performed in the Bridgewater Hall after nine months of closure. Conducted by Mark Elder, these energized performances reflect the musicians' resilience. The symphony features intricate woodwind textures creating growth and motion, with a nocturne-like slow movement combining muted tones with agitation. The Concerto for Orchestra, premiered in May, showcases the full orchestra with clean harmonies and rhythmic complexity. Throughout both works, Watkins' music conveys themes of optimism, spring, and renewal.

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