This was a rather special concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre by the Trowbridge Orchestra: first, because it marked the retirement of Jean Horsfall as its conductor; and also because the quality of the music was such a suitable tribute to her achievement over 41 years.
David Price opened the programme by conducting the rumbustious Carnival Overture by Dvorak.
Jean then took the rostrum for the concert's central work, Brahm's Violin Concerto in D, performed with Pauline Lowbery. One hesitates to use the word 'soloist' because hers was the cohesive part of the whole sound.
David Price had told us how Bach had been described as the Father of music, Beethoven the Son and Brahms The Holy Ghost.
In the slow movement, the opening statement by brass and wood laid the foundation for the ethereal entrance of the strings, and finally the sensitive solo violin.
Trowbridge and Jean Horsfall can be proud of the orchestra she has left us. We look forward to seeing her as a guest conductor.
Martin Davies
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