MacMillan Trombone Concerto by MacMillan, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky, P. I., Alates (2019/2019), Dirigent Martyn Brabbins, City Halls, Glasgow, United Kingdom

On a snow-covered road, a flute plays a Russian folksong. Tchaikovsky’s six symphonies add up to a truly epic emotional journey, but that’s how it all begins, and there’s an innocence, an energy and a sense of youthful fantasy to his First Symphony that’s wholly captivating. Dvořák’s 'Slavonic Dances' (Op.46, No.1 in C major; Op.46, No.2 in E minor and Op.46, No.7 in C minor) share the same freshness, and in the hands of conductor Martyn Brabbins they should make a delightful complement to a major Scottish Premiere: Sir James MacMillan’s powerful new 'Trombone Concerto', performed here by Jörgen van Rijen, the Dutch virtuoso who gave its World Premiere in Amsterdam in 2017. “Vintage MacMillan” said one critic. “The trombone sang, sang, sang” reported another: come and judge for yourself.