By Joel Carnegie
MUSIC
BEETHOVEN, MOZART & COPLAND ★★★☆
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Melbourne Town Hall
July 31
For works to last the test of time, they must offer three things: popularity, durability and uniqueness – and the three landmark works presented by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra had all these qualities in spades.
Warm and sparkly: Conductor Matthew Coorey.Credit: Robert Pearce
Copland's Appalachian Spring: Suite for orchestra, in many ways defined the American spirit in music. The orchestra under the direction of conductor, Matthew Coorey presented a warm and sparkly rendition of the work, with cross rhythms, layering of chords and general back-and-fourths amongst the instrument groupings, being most effective.
The flute and violin duet near the conclusion of the piece, followed by a most captivating ending made for particularly pleasurable listening, although the orchestra felt slightly restrained.
Mozart's turbulent Piano Concerto No.20 followed, oozing with emotional power as one of the few minor chorded works in the composer's piano concerto repertoire.
It was unfortunately equally turbulent for soloist Ian Munro, who after several lapses in memory left the stage only to return with score in hand in order to undertake the work. However, the orchestra (and audience) subsequently rallied behind him, and he went on to offer a clearly executed though slightly subdued rendition.
The highlight of the evening was Beethoven's Symphony No 7 – an exuberant performance, often referred to as 'the apotheosis of the dance', with all the bounce and excitement that one would expect from such a landmark work. Horns, brass and timpani provided the significant kick required, with particularly fine woodwind passages.