 |
 |
|
 |
||
|
Prokofiev:
Symphony No. 6 Lindberg: Clarinet Concerto Janàcek:
Sinfonietta This first concert by Jukka-Pekka Saraste as the BBCSO's Principal Guest Conductor was an auspicious pointer towards a fruitful association, of particular significance as next year Leonard Slatkin will be bowing out as Chief Conductor. Very well rehearsed, and with a feeling of confidence emanating from all departments, the BBCSO showed itself in taxing modern repertoire able to contend with any orchestra in the world. Prokofiev's Op.111, a dark, intense three movement epic in Eb minor, got an airing as part of a 50th anniversary cycle of all his symphonies, and turned out to be arguably the best and richest of them all. The orchestration is notably transparent, even austere, so that you can hear everything going on, and each section of the orchestra relished its opportunities to shine. There is frequent contradiction between innocent sounding melodies and their harmonic and orchestral dress, especially in the shattering, pessimistic Eb major conclusion of the finale, and what Prokofiev, ironically maybe, described as the 'brighter and more tuneful' Largo. Kari Kriikku, Finland's leading virtuoso clarinetist, is responsible for innovative research to extend the capacities of his instrument, and inspired Magnus Lindberg to create a stunning show piece, with his usual knack of making abstruse constructions accessible and attractive to the untutored ear. Kriikku was positively balletic on stage, swooping down to the platform, lifting one leg high whilst standing on the other, but however fearsome the difficulties and high the tessitura he maintained a tone quality which never hurt the ears. Likewise, in the ever-popular Sinfonietta, Janacek's eleven trumpets, which provide welcome employment for London's freelancers, eschewed excessive brilliance and the whole was presented with mellow tone and emphasis on its essential musical qualities and the individual flavour of each of its contrasted movements. This was the most satisfying orchestral concert we had experienced this year, or for many months before, and can be seen on BBC4 Sunday 2 March. PETER GRAHAME WOOLF |