The Royal Albert Hall recently bore witness to an utterly gripping performance by the Hallé Orchestra, masterfully led by their new principal conductor, Kahchun Wong, in a profound rendition of Mahler’s Second Symphony.
Mahler’s Second Symphony, despite its lack of a definitive narrative from the composer himself, retains an undeniable sense of epic trajectory, culminating in a colossal finale that echoes the grandeur of Beethoven’s Ninth with its use of chorus and soloists.
Kahchun Wong’s approach to this monumental work was nothing short of beguiling, as he conducted without a score, maintaining ultra-precise coordination across the cavernous venue, a feat that underscored his exceptional command of the orchestral forces.
The performance’s opening immediately captivated the audience with breathtakingly elemental chords, followed by offstage horns slicing through the air and climaxes that expertly receded into tiny, muttering details, building an atmosphere of immense anticipation.
The dramatic arc continued with a nightmarish outbreak of brass and percussion erupting from the gallery, showcasing the symphony’s dynamic range and the orchestra’s powerful execution under Wong’s direction.
Even an hour into the performance, the packed Prommers stood transfixed, a testament to the profound engagement elicited by the Hallé’s musicianship and Wong’s compelling leadership. This unwavering attention persisted even before the entrance of the Hallé Choir and Hallé Youth Choir.
The choral sections, particularly their initial unaccompanied passage, were rendered with minute blending and astonishing quietness, highlighting the choirs’ meticulous preparation and seamless integration into the grand orchestral tapestry.
In the symphony’s final minutes, the very floor vibrated from the organ pedal, complemented by catastrophically powerful lower brass and bells pealing from the gallery, creating an overwhelming sonic landscape that resonated deeply with the audience.
For the grand climax, Wong famously ditched his baton, manoeuvring his supersized forces with tremendous, muscular arm sweeps, akin to single-handedly guiding an ocean liner, culminating in a collective standing ovation as the final chord still powerfully resonated.
