Piemontesi plays Mozart’s Last Piano Concerto: Reviewed
Matthew reviews the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s triumphant performance of Mozart’s final piano concerto.
Andrew Manze, Francesco Piemontesi and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra delivered on every count at their captivating concert on Wednesday night. Trying to be systematic about reviewing it, I had brought a notebook and attempted to studiously take down my thoughts, but by about halfway through I realised that my pen had stopped writing after scrawling the word “incredible” halfway down the page.
The structure of the concert was well thought out, I found, with the audience being introduced to a little more of the orchestra and its abilities at each piece. We began with the core strings playing Stravinsky’s Concerto in D. The touted versatilities of the conductor and section was very much on show here, with Manze’s energetic and full-bodied conducting style following the “angular” contours of the piece, and the players managing to capture the essence of wind-like and percussive sounds using only plucking and bow strokes. I was pleasantly surprised by the middle movement; it had lyrical and almost dance-like quality that served as a reminder that Stravinsky’s style for the piece was still very much Neo-Classical. He had not quite fully assumed the modernist firebrand status that we probably associate with him now.
This fact allowed the flow from Stravinsky to Mozart feel like a natural complement rather than being jarring or stark. The orchestra grew in size to include woodwind and French horns, and we were finally introduced to our soloist and the piano.
The Younger Hall is very lucky to have an incredible Bösendorfer imperial grand piano at its disposal; an enormous machine with an extended bass octave, vast dynamic range and a rich sound. The flipside of this, of course, is that it makes it very difficult to play properly “authentic” Mozart. Considering the size and sound of pianos available in Mozart’s time, the experience is comparable to driving down a cycle track in a monster truck. Piemontesi, however, took what I think was the right decision, and fitted his interpretation to the instrument, and not vice versa. The Mozart we heard was not a transportation back to a bygone era, but rather a continuation of the living musical experience with faithful ideas and modern apparatus. Our pianist’s runs and slight extemporisations were flamboyant when necessary, restrained when tasteful, and the power of the piano’s bass and sustain pedal were not shunned but taken advantage of, sparingly, to great effect. My only disappointment was that he did not give an encore, despite the substantial applause at the end.
Finally, we heard Stenhammer’s “Serenade”, somewhat deceptively titled, since it turned out to be a very hefty symphonic work. The wind section and brass sections, now expanded to full-size, were able to shine here, along with percussionists making an appearance for the first time that evening. The dexterity evident in the energetic rhythms of the first movement, and musicality of the various solos in the fourth were particularly enjoyable aspects to hear.
In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this concert, as well as the hospitality afforded by the music centre at the free interval drink. It was somewhat sad, however, to see a relatively small number of students (and younger people in general) attending. If you didn’t make it, be sure not to miss out next time!
Very interesting points you have mentioned, appreciate it for putting up.
Very interesting points you have mentioned, thanks for putting up. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Perfect piece of work you have done, this site is really cool with fantastic information.
I like this web blog so much, saved to bookmarks. “American soldiers must be turned into lambs and eating them is tolerated.” by Muammar Qaddafi.
There are some attention-grabbing points in time on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There may be some validity however I will take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as nicely
Hi there, I found your blog via Google while searching for a related topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello my loved one! I want to say that this article is awesome, great written and include almost all significant infos. I’d like to see more posts like this .
Appreciate it for helping out, great information.
Its fantastic as your other posts : D, thankyou for putting up. “Reason is the substance of the universe. The design of the world is absolutely rational.” by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
I am really impressed along with your writing skills as well as with the structure on your blog. Is that this a paid theme or did you customize it your self? Either way keep up the excellent high quality writing, it is rare to see a nice weblog like this one these days..
Lottery Defeater Software is a digital tool designed to assist individuals in improving their chances of winning in various lotteries.
Good write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
These are actually great ideas in on the topic of blogging.
You have touched some fastidious points here.
Any way keep up wrinting.
Well I definitely liked studying it. This tip procured by you is very useful for correct planning.
Hello would you mind letting me know which web host you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
There is perceptibly a bunch to realize about this. I consider you made various nice points in features also.
Needed to draft you a little bit of remark just to say thanks a lot once again for all the pretty techniques you’ve discussed in this case. It was quite pretty generous of you to make unhampered what a lot of folks might have distributed as an ebook to help make some bucks for themselves, most importantly now that you might well have done it if you ever wanted. These tips additionally acted as the good way to fully grasp that other people have the identical fervor similar to my very own to realize much more when it comes to this condition. I know there are lots of more fun periods up front for folks who look into your website.
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks!
I couldn’t resist commenting
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again
Sight Care is a visual wellness supplement that is currently available in the market. According to the Sight Care makers, it is efficient and effective in supporting your natural vision
Reading The article was a joy. The enthusiasm for the topic is really motivating.
Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
Hello.This post was really remarkable, particularly because I was browsing for thoughts on this topic last Tuesday.
I as well as my buddies happened to be looking through the great suggestions found on the blog and unexpectedly I got a terrible feeling I had not thanked the website owner for those tips. These boys came absolutely joyful to see them and now have in fact been using these things. Appreciation for simply being really thoughtful as well as for considering some wonderful subjects millions of individuals are really eager to know about. Our sincere regret for not expressing gratitude to you earlier.
Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, terrific blog!
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
You made some nice points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most people will approve with your blog.
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange agreement between us!
I used to be suggested this website through my cousin. I am no longer sure whether or not this publish is written via him as no one else know such distinctive approximately my trouble. You’re incredible! Thank you!
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say superb blog!
You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation but I find this topic to be really one thing that I feel I would never understand. It kind of feels too complex and very huge for me. I am having a look forward for your next submit, I¦ll attempt to get the grasp of it!
I think this site holds some real wonderful information for everyone :D. “When you get a thing the way you want it, leave it alone.” by Sir Winston Leonard Spenser Churchill.
I got what you intend, regards for putting up.Woh I am lucky to find this website through google.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So nice to find somebody with some authentic ideas on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this web site is something that is wanted on the web, somebody with slightly originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!
Real great visual appeal on this website , I’d value it 10 10.
You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart. “The most profound joy has more of gravity than of gaiety in it.” by Michel de Montaigne.
What Is FitSpresso? FitSpresso is a dietary supplement that is made to support healthy fat-burning in the body
FitSpresso: An Outline FitSpresso is a weight management formula made using five herbal ingredients.
Reading The work is like watching the sunrise, a daily reminder of beauty and new beginnings.
Keep functioning ,great job!
This post has been incredibly helpful, like a guiding hand in a crowded room. The guidance is much appreciated.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article. It was exactly what I needed to read!
The words are like brush strokes on a canvas, painting ideas in my mind.
The unique perspective is as intriguing as a mystery novel. Can’t wait to read the next chapter.
Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
You’ve done a fantastic job of breaking down this topic. Thanks for the clarity!
Most comprehensive article on this topic. I guess internet rabbit holes do pay off.
The unique perspective on this subject was enlightening. It’s refreshing to see someone so passionate about their topic.
I like this website very much so much fantastic information.
Great amazing things here. I am very happy to see your article. Thanks a lot and i’m looking ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
whoah this blog is excellent i love studying your articles. Stay up the good paintings! You already know, lots of persons are searching around for this info, you could help them greatly.
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.