Perth Concert Hall
reviewed by Neville Cohn
Sibelius’ name and reputation are inextricably linked to his symphonies. They are the bedrock of his fame. But, these aside, he was a most prolific composer. A fair number of these works could fairly be described as tripe – but there are also shorter orchestral pieces which are gems in the highest sense.
One of these, the Prelude to Shakespeare’s The Tempest is a superb evocation of a storm, of a frightening maelstrom – and when played with such focussed skill as was the case at the weekend, the question arises: why have compilers so neglected this work? In the long history of the orchestra, it has been programmed only once before – in 2009..
Wonderfully evocative of howling wind, thunder and lightning flashes, guest conductor Ludovic Morlot and the WASO sounded in their element, clearly as one as the piece unfolded. It drew me to the edge of my seat.
At the other end of the emotional scale was Tchaikowsky’s Andante cantabile from his String Quartet No 1 in an arrangement for cello and strings. It is one of the composer’s loveliest essays in calmness – and at the weekend, cellist Gautier Capucon reigned supreme. Here was musicmaking to soothe, surely, even the most agitated soul. It was an exquisite offering. Bravo!
Earlier, Capucon was soloist in the same composer’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Here, too, we were drawn – willingly – into Tchaikowsky’s unique sound and mood world. To ensure the cello line could reach the listener unencumbered by a too-heavy accompaniment, the composer wrote for a much reduced orchestra – no brass except for horns, no percussion. It was a performance that riveted the attention. Throughout, Capucon’s cello line adapted chameleon-like to the subtlest sound colours that the work calls for. And with Morlot’s conducting achieving a consistently first rate accompaniment, this interpretation reached for – and touched – the stars. Variation 6 was particularly fine with Mary-Anne Blades’ contribution on flute a highlight.
Also on the program were Debussy’s La Mer and Sibelius’ The Oceanides.
Those who missed the concert can listen to a broadcast on ABC Classic FM on Saturday 13 October at noon.
