…From the very first notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No 7 in a major the scene was set and the excitement began. Under the firm director of Joji Hattori, the first movement positively bounded along enthralling the packed Cathedral audience. The second movement allegretto in a minor key was taken at a slower pace producing a majestic and haunting interlude in this otherwise fast moving symphony. Returning to a major key, the orchestra leapt into a much faster speed for the absolutely marvellous scherzo with dramatic horn playing and melodious strings, the orchestra moved to a thunderous and spontaneous climax. The tremendous vitality and breathtaking urgency of the Philharmonia’s music was in my mind for hours afterwards…