The London Philharmonic Orchestra under Edward Gardner presented a programme spanning from Norwegian forests to the Bavarian Alps at the Royal Albert Hall. Kristine Tjøgersen's Between Trees opened with a sound of a squirrel eating created by blowing into a tuba full of water. The piece used extended techniques like prepared harp and strings to evoke the fungal networks connecting tree roots.
Canteloube and Strauss
Soprano Louise Alder joined for a selection of Canteloube's Songs of the Auvergne, her creamy voice complementing the orchestrations. Gardner kept the orchestra subdued while highlighting pungent elements. Alder brought storytelling to tales of shepherdesses and country lads.
Richard Strauss's An Alpine Symphony concluded the concert. Gardner led with big-boned phrasing and romantic sweep. The LPO conjured woods, waterfalls and a field of cows. The storm featured a deafening cacophony of drums, wind machine and thunder sheet. The concert is available on BBC Sounds until 12 October. The Proms continue until 12 September.
