Fifth semifinal day – afternoon
program
Anton Kraft – Concerto in C op. 4
Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia, dir.Vahan Mardirossian
TTechnically impeccable, Leland Ko presents Kraft's concerto at a slightly faster tempo and imposes this on the experienced orchestra, which immediately adapts and follows suit. The cellist, whose aloofness and stubbornness had caught my attention since the recital, exudes abstraction, independence, and the ability to bring innovation to cello playing.
program
Michael Haydn – Concerto in B-flat
Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia, dir.Vahan Mardirossian
A cellist who seemed perfectly relaxed and at ease playing this Michael Haydn concerto, which makes great demands especially in the upper register, where he managed to produce a highly expressive cello tone. Wehrmeyer's smooth and flowing left-hand passages contribute to both technical precision and artistic quality. He must have undoubtedly invested considerable time in this, which was evident in a confidence and reliability that also reached the audience.
program
Harold Noben – Caffeine
Alfred Schnittke – Sonata No. 1 op. 129
Bohuslav Martinů Variations on a Theme by Rossini H 290
Naoko Sonoda, piano accompanist
A program choice from the 20th and 21st centuries in which the enormous pressure on the cellist hardly ever lets up. An approach that presents contemporary music as history, as if a retrospective were already possible. High concentration and intensity in this recital, which demonstrates a great professional drive from Ettore Pagano. He and the accompanying pianist have done everything to succeed.
program
César Frank – Sonata in A FWV 8
Harold Noben – Caffeine
Dina Ivanova, piano accompanist
Theresa Laun performs this emotionally rich sonata with remarkable harmonic grace on her cello, transposing the music and giving her inner voice to the instrument. She captivates the listener with her interpretation of the versatile tonal colors, full of artistic expressivity. Against all odds, her performance of Caffeine manages to let a soft cello sound prevail over the challenges of the piece, which speaks to a paradoxical, self-undermining modernity.
