Occasionally, artists manage to turn the critique narrative on its head. The renowned composer Camille Saint-Saëns famously compared critics to braying donkeys in his work, Carnival of the Animals, while Richard Strauss portrayed them as antagonists in Ein Heldenleben. Franz Schreker, a contemporary of Strauss whose operatic works are seldom performed today, crafted a satirical piece in 1921 that served as a commentary on his critics. This reflected his musical style: “I am a sound-artist, sound-fantasist, sound-wizard, sound-aesthete and I have no trace of melody.”

The impression of Schreker’s Kammersymphonie (Chamber Symphony), showcased by the BBC Symphony Orchestra during their season finale at the Barbican, embodies this thought. The 25-minute composition intricately weaves notes into a captivating tapestry, with ever-changing hues and textures, where even hints of melody seem to evaporate. The harp and celesta add a sparkling freshness, while the harmonium introduces a rich warmth, and the interplay of strings, beyond the original arrangement for 23 solo instruments, lends a lush depth to the performance.

Conductor Mark Elder adopted an impressionistic approach rather than an expressionistic one; at certain moments, the music evoked the essence of Delius, while in others, its shimmering surface offered a nod to Korngold. The influence of late Romanticism, particularly the works of Mahler, resonated throughout the concert, with Das Lied von der Erde being the focal point of the evening.

After the ethereal quality of Schreker’s piece, Mahler’s music offered a striking vibrancy. While not every segment of the performance was flawlessly refined, and Elder’s interpretation occasionally lacked spontaneity, the BBC Symphony Orchestra exhibited remarkable energy, complemented by stellar soloists.

Tenor David Butt Philip delivered a commanding and emotionally charged performance, skillfully navigating the challenges of Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde (Drinking Song of Earth’s Misery), while also maintaining a buoyant tone in Von der Jugend (Youth). Meanwhile, mezzo-soprano Alice Coote deeply explored the emotional resonance of the music, particularly in Der Einsame im Herbst (The Lonely One in Autumn). Her rendition of Der Abschied (Farewell) was deeply affecting, with the concluding words, “Ewig… ewig” (Forever… forever), lingering in the hearts of the audience. ★★★★☆ Broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Tuesday, 27 May, and subsequently available on BBC Sounds.

Stay updated with the latest reviews by following @timesculture