| In the first of a three programme series - called "Mozart's World" - for St John's, Smith Square and The Old Market, Hove, The Hanover Band achieved what is if not downright impossible, then certainly improbable: a dramatic, vital, illuminating and properly surprising performance of Mozart's Prague Symphony(K504) and Haydn's Surprise(No.94). Under Paul Brough, the orchestra tilted these familiar scores in new directions; teasing nuances and textures out of repertoire that listeners and players alike have taken for granted, and marrying the lightness of original instruments with a grand symphonic arc. Joined by tenor John Mark Ainsley for arias from "La Clemenza di Tito", "Idomeneo" and "Don Giovanni", they also demonstrated what fine accompanists they are; minutely sensitive to Ainsley's eloquent, artful phrasing and imaginative in response to his dramatic recitative. A thoroughly brilliant and absorbing performance, sensationally conducted by Brough." The Independent on Sunday |
| "Isn't it wonderful when everything goes right? A choir on top form, an orchestra with the correct sense of style...the Manchester Camerata under Paul Brough have the sort of stylistic adaptability to play Stravinsky..or Haydn's Creation with equal authenticity...'Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus' responded..using small-scale detailed articulation or powerful blockbuster chords as required.." Yorkshire Post |
| The Hanover Band... "Paul Brough, as Principal Conductor, has nurtured some exciting projects with the orchestra to much critical acclaim." www.londonchambermusic.org.uk |
| "Paul Brough worked hard..the 'Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus' sang with superb control, excellent balance and restrained power - while being equal to Brough's nimble rhythmic demands.....the 'Manchester Camerata's' playing, especially the woodwind, was terrific throughout.." - "..and the conductor is Paul Brough, whose reputation continues to grow rapidly..." Sheffield Telegraph |
| "Rodolfus Choir... conducted by Paul Brough... the choral sound from the gallery was stunning indeed... a little masterpiece, masterfully performed... Mahler's "Ich bin der Welt" rounded off this truly wonderful programme." Surrey Advertiser |
| .."Mozart's World", conducted by the lively, engaging Paul Brough, offered some elegant and highly committed playing from a small orchestra that must be very close in style to that which Mozart would have known. The conductor introduced Haydn's 'Surprise' symphony with some remarks, both real and intuitive, about the links between the two composers, setting the scene for a lively, at times rumbustious performance which demonstrated conclusively that it is not just the 'surprise' which makes this work so popular, but also its enduring vigour and charm. www.musicweb-international.com |
| A magnificent evening of Mozart. The Hanover Band delivered Mozart's Prague Symphony and Haydn's Surprise Symphony with passion and aplomb. Conductor Paul Brough..coaxes out some superb sounds. This concert saw the Hanover Band in fine form... The Argus, Brighton & Hove |
| ..Paul Brough's dynamic and impressive conducting of the entire programme from memory The Oxford Times |
| The English Rachmaninov: "..the choir produce a startlingly beautiful sound - smooth, luxuriant." www.hbdirect.com |
| ..polished professionalism and obvious musical sensitivity.. International Record Review |
| "The English Rachmaninov..most impressive..fine, incisive choral singing" Edward Greenfield, Gramophone |
| ..Paul Brough knows what the music needs..musically and passionately sung.. BBC Radio3 CDReview |
| "..sincere and communicative..expertly performed..committed performances.." www.musicweb-international.com |
| The Hanover Band Chorus..made a considerable impact with its enthusiastic and dramatic approach..for the Mozart Requiem. The woodwinds created a suitably melancholy effect in the first few bars and a proper sense of solemnity persisted for the whole work. Paul Brough..ensured a proper balance between voices and orchestra, never allowing one section to dominate another. This performance, by well rehearsed orchestral and choral forces, must be considered as being as near to realising Mozart's intentions as any possible. On the evidence of this concert the Hanover Band deserves its reputation for excellence in music of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. www.musicalpointers.co.uk |
| The English Rachmaninov : "The singing of the choir is uniformly excellent and the music is given a performance worthy of its qualities. Paul Brough obtains from his well-balanced singers a tone of quiet mellifluousness, never rough in the climaxes and perfectly clear and articulate in the softest passages. The sound is warm and generous...." The Guild of Musicians and Singers |
| Paul Brough, Principal Conductor of The Hanover Band and Professor of Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music, lent us his valuable expertise and remarkable musicality in an afternoon masterclass.. Magazine of New College School, Oxford |
| ..Conductor Paul Brough oversees proceedings throughout with a precision and restraint that suits well.. Classical Source |
| I have heard Messiah many times, by forces ranging from extraodinarily professional to basic amateur..This was the best: staggering in its pace, firm in its grasp of form, attentive to emotional nuance, fresh but also robust in choral sound..Paul Brough conducted the whole work, uncut, from memory...this was The Hanover Band's first outing under its new conductor.. Dr Timothy Hands, Founder, Oxford Artsweek |
| "Brough capably directs the two very different groups of musicians with considerable aplomb.." Church Music Quarterly |
| "A well played performance..." Midwest Record - USA |
| "Paul Brough is the new Principal Conductor of The Hanover Band and his choral conducting has won enthusiastic praise in numerous critical quarters" www.rskentertainment.co.uk |
| "The English Rachmaninov"..the choir sing with fervour and give a fine performance. A very pleasing CD. Wilfred Mellers, Choir and Organ |