OBSERVER: A Reflection In Time
On a cold winter’s night the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra warmed hearts and cheered spirits with its A Reflection In Time concert celebrating three passionate and dramatic compositions from the mid-twentieth century.
Consisting of orchestral works by composers from three different countries, the first half of the program saw performances of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings (1936) and Erich Korngold’s Violin Concerto (1945). The second half of the evening was taken up entirely by Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5 (1937).
The MSO’s Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey was in fine form on the night as he led the orchestra with great aplomb in successfully meeting the contrasting demands of each work. From the mournful pathos of Barber’s adagio to the strident bombastic energy of Shostakovich’s symphony, the orchestra rose to the challenges each work presented by responding with flair and skill to Northey’s expressive and inspiring conducting.
For Korngold’s concerto he and the orchestra were joined by a shining light of Australian classical music in the form of Australian violinist Christian Li.
Born in Melbourne, Li’s prodigious talent – at the age of 13 he became the youngest artist ever signed by the prestigious Decca Classics label – was there for all to see.
Aged just 17, his maturity and virtuosity playing the violin was quite staggering. Of the three movements that made up the concerto the final one, allegro assai vivace, showcased his tremendous musical skills.
The MSO goes from strength to strength in its offerings to the Melbourne classical music loving audience, both in the range of the works it presents and in the quality of its performances. It is a jewel in the crown of Melbourne culture, one we can all celebrate and enjoy.
Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne.
mso.com.au
Review by Peter Murphy