Cambridge English Exams
C1 Advanced Review Writing: Concert Review
Example Exam Task
You have seen the following on a music website that you read:
‘Have You Been To A Great Concert Recently?’
We are looking for our readers to provide reviews of concerts they’ve recently attended. What made the concert memorable? What type of music was it? Did the audience enjoy the concert?
Write your review (220 – 260 words).
C1 Advanced Review Example
A Memorable Evening at the National Philharmonic
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending a symphonic concert at the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, a venue long associated with elegance, dignity and the highest standards of classical music. The evening proved to be a true feast for music lovers and fully lived up to the Philharmonic’s prestigious reputation.
The programme featured two contrasting works: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C major and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1 in F minor, performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert opened with Beethoven’s refined and harmonious composition. Its clear structure, lively rhythms and balanced form created a sense of order and classical elegance. For me, this part of the performance felt particularly cohesive and deeply satisfying.
After the interval, the mood shifted dramatically with Shostakovich’s more expressive and emotionally charged symphony. Full of striking contrasts, the piece moved from lyrical passages to powerful orchestral climaxes enhanced by percussion and brass. Although undeniably impressive, it seemed slightly less coherent at times, perhaps due to the subtler presence of the lower strings, which I personally tend to focus on.
The orchestra performed with remarkable precision: the violins sounded crisp and expressive, while the wind section demonstrated impressive depth and power. The conductor led with confidence and sensitivity, allowing the music to speak for itself. The audience responded with prolonged applause and a well-deserved standing ovation.
Overall, it was an unforgettable evening of classical music, and I would highly recommend attending a concert at the National Philharmonic to anyone who appreciates performances at the highest artistic level.
Photo: Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra © Grzesiek Mart