Symphony review: Classics series offers fresh mix of music
By SALLY VALLONGO
BLADE STAFF WRITER
One of the freshest and most delightful programs offered by the Toledo Symphony in its Classics series opened last night in the Peristyle under principal conductor Stefan Sanderling.
What might seem an unlikely mix of periods, styles, and composers - from proper Papa Haydn through Beethoven's bluster to two, count 'em, two 20th-century piano concertos by Shostakovich - instead made for scintillating listening.
Earlier this month Sanderling said this program had been on his wish list for some time, especially the Shostakovich concertos, which reflect the composer's love for the earlier masters' music, the maestro said. Plus, we agreed, they are musical fun.
It required a special sort of pianist to realize both works, which were presented in order, the 1933 concerto before intermission; the 1957 work opening the second half. Happily, Stewart Goodyear, 28, was the perfect person for the challenge.
With apparently endless virtuosity and lan at his command, the phenom from Toronto was master of Shostakovich's pianistic gymkhanas, making the most of the composer's delicious themes, elaborating on them with blinding speed, yet managing to stay part of the larger ensemble that enhanced the performance.
Yes, he deserved both standing ovations. So did the orchestra, which so masterfully rose to the challenge under Sanderling's clear directives. And kudos to Lauraine Carpenter, principal trumpet, for a flawless performance that matched Goodyear's style and subtlety to a T.
The first concerto was a local premiere for the orchestra and offered much for the listener, from the opening three-note theme shared by strings and piano and passed through the orchestra during the first movement to its brilliant ending. Adding texture and color, Carpenter's trumpet was the golden thread throughout.
In the second movement, the graceful waltz was shades of Erik Satie. After two piano solos for the third movement, the final section was all about spirit accentuated by trumpet calls right up to the blazing ending.
Shostakovich's other piano concerto was written as a tribute for his son, Maxim. While more consistent throughout its three movements, this piece lacked the sizzle of the 1933 work, but the audience welcomed it even more warmly.
Haydn's suave and lively final No. 104 "London" Symphony, was a perfect ending for this inspired concert and served to nearly completely erase the memory of the opener, Beethoven's Egmont Overture. While handled most competently, the Beethoven somehow lacked the spirit of the rest of the program, which was presented with support by Rita Barbour Kern. The Toledo Symphony's Classics II concert will repeat at 8 tonight in the Peristyle. Tickets are $22-47 at the box office.
Contact Sally Vallongo at: svallongo@theblade.com.
