Royal Scottish National Orchestra

27/01/2010

Return to form at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

January 23
Conductor: Sir Andrew Davis
Soloist: John Lill
4/5 

Poised as they are somewhere between the magnificent inevitability and certainty of the Beethoven symphonies and the existential angst of those of Mahler, the symphonies of Schumann have never received the critical acclaim or popular recognition of the works of those giants. Their youthful romanticism and ambiguities of tone lack the conviction of the greatest symphonies and their structural weaknesses and occasional lack of cohesion suggest a failure of confidence and even of nerve by the composer. They do, however, contain some glorious, unconventional music.

The 3rd symphony, played tonight by the RSNO in a partial return to form after some recent lacklustre performances, is his most popular. The 2nd movement with its rustic charm is possibly Schumann's most effective writing for orchestra. The playing of the RSNO, with languorous strings, swirling rhythms and changes of tempo make it seem like the epitome of Romantic music. This approach does not work so well with the following two short movements, which require greater vigour to breathe life into them. The final movement, however, is played with a forcefulness and vivacity which brings the symphony to the optimistic conclusion intended by the composer.

Those who know Shostakovich only from his tragic and sometimes brutal symphonies would be surprised by his 2nd piano concerto. Written in 1957 it is one of his most joyous and extrovert works with sparkling outer movements and a lyrical slow movement whose central melody equals anything by Mozart.

Both the orchestra and soloist John Lill are fully up to the technical and emotional demands of the piece. The pianist's tone may have been slightly plummy for the effervescent outer movements, which are dispatched with aplomb, but it is perfect for the slow movement played with glowing intensity and conviction, accompanied beautifully by the strings. The orchestra is at its best throughout playing with dash and precision. It is an exciting performance.
 
The opening 4 pieces from Tippets opera 'The Midsummer Marriage' seem unsuited to the concert hall. They are colourless and pedestrian and although played sympathetically by the orchestra, bland. A surprising choice by the conductor.

Overall, an enjoyable if not outstanding concert. It is good to hear the RSNO back to somewhere near its best.

By Alex Graham