Just when we thought the evening couldn’t get any more dramatic, guest conductor Alexander Vedernikov, formerly of the Bolshoi, demonstrated a remarkable affinity with compatriot Rachmaninov and directed the players through a blistering performance of his Symphony no. 1 in D minor. Vedernikov’s expressive arms seemed to reach for the roof and his over-the-collar hair bounced with vigour. The programme notes included the headings “A night in hell… From the ashes… Defying destiny… Grand passions”, and the music was correspondingly angst-ridden. It wasn’t what I would describe as easy to listen to, as there was so much going on at once, and the overall dynamic was very loud, but one couldn’t help being totally absorbed. Occasional lyrical string and wind passages offset the noise and clamour, and drew out the overwhelming emotion: romantic, rich and sad. A motif representing fate pervades the piece and menace gets the upper hand over brief glimpses of relief.
The CBSO made a cracking job of the musical fireworks announcing the finale, leading eventually, exhaustingly, to a sudden change of pace with an arresting stroke of the gong, leaving the audience holding its collective breath in the ensuing silence, before the perfectly placed closing notes. There was nothing silent about the applause!
Source.
The CBSO made a cracking job of the musical fireworks announcing the finale, leading eventually, exhaustingly, to a sudden change of pace with an arresting stroke of the gong, leaving the audience holding its collective breath in the ensuing silence, before the perfectly placed closing notes. There was nothing silent about the applause!
Source.
Powerful northern landscapes: Elisabeth Leonskaja and the CBSO play Grieg
Katherine DIXSON, Bachtrack.com, November, 5 2012
