The title of the concert 'Kosmopolitische Flair' lives up to its promise, bearing witness to the musical richness in which fascinating musical worlds are explored.
Concerto for piano and orchestra no. 1 in B-flat, opus 23 – Pjotr Iljitsj Tsjajkovski
The Concerto for piano and orchestra no. 1 in B-flat opus 23 resounded as the opening work.
Composed in the 19th century, it has lost nothing of its grandeur. We can even call it a highlight of Romanticism. However, the beginning was difficult. When Pjotr Iljitsj Tsjajkovski presented it on Christmas Eve 1875 to pianist Nikolaj Rubenstein, he reacted quite bluntly. He called it worthless and unplayable. It hit hard for the 35-year-old composer. Yet he refuses to change anything about the music. Fortunately. What probably bothered his teacher was the innovative form. Instead of recurring themes, he uses melodies that evolve throughout the music and the movements. Nowadays, this concerto, whose imposing opening measures are world-famous, is one of the most popular works.
Although Tsjajkovski adopted Western musical theory through his studies at the Conservatory of Saint Petersburg, he wanted to express the typical Russian mentality. He was fond of using Russian folk melodies, also found in this composition. In the fast passage of the second movement, you can even recognize the melody of a French song 'Il faut s'amuser, danser et rire'.
The 33-year-old Parisian Tanguy de Williencourt appears as soloist. He is praised as one of the future greats of the piano. Recently he recorded a CD with Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen featuring music by Belgian composer César Franck for the Mirare label. In 2022 he appeared on the big screen in the company of the great American soprano Renée Fleming.
With bravura, he opens all pianistic registers. The score demands speed, control, personality and fantasy. He executes the different tempi brilliantly, powerfully or delicately. His interpretation is impressive and expressive. A grand display of virtuosity. He knows how to inspire the audience. Yet he still displays boyish traits. Whenever he is not playing, he runs his hand through his hair with a gesture.
This concerto is a volcano of sound. You feel yourself drift away on the powerful swelling tones. The lightness that sometimes bubbles up is like water from a fountain. Conductor Martijn Dendievel conducts with flair and finesse. A conductor of broad gestures who plays the entire orchestra and carries it along. He lets the music sizzle. The audience enjoyed it immensely. Quite unusual, but appreciated: as an encore, conductor and pianist played à quatre-mains: 'Le jardin féerique' from Ma Mère l'Oye by Maurice Ravel. A playful moment between two top musicians.
After the intermission
Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen creates opportunities for both young musicians, composers, soloists and conductors. After the intermission, a composition by Murielle Lemay was performed
'Augur' a creation within the framework of SOV Composers Academy
Canadian Murielle Lemay studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels in the class of Annelies Van Parijs. It is a visionary work in which she expresses our current Zeitgeist. Fragments of themes and harmonies from the Seventh Symphony by Antonin Dvořák resound through it. Turbulence and serenity find a harmonious balance in her work.
Symphony no. 7 in D, opus 70 – Antonin Dvořák
Dvořák was a cosmopolitan, born in Bohemia, he traveled during his lifetime to Austria, England, Russia and from 1892 to 1895 he was artistic director of the conservatory in New York. He became the figurehead of Czech classical music. In which he seamlessly weaves together various elements from Bohemian folk music and classical music. Those patriotic feelings were also the inspiration for his Seventh Symphony. He wrote the music on commission from the Philharmonic Society of London.
On the score he noted "God, love and fatherland", an associative sequence that reflected his disposition and labor. Yet this composition does not sound like his other work. There is a clash between patriotism and cosmopolitanism, between 'service to his country' and his ambitions for international success. There are lyrical themes, but there is also a dark side to this symphony. It is also called the 'tragic' symphony. What is beautiful about this composition is that many instrumentalists get a solo part. Martijn Dendievel conducts the orchestra flawlessly through the long arcs of tension. With great expressiveness in his conducting, he is a fine figure to watch. From the 2024-'25 season he will be chief conductor of the Hofer Symphoniker.
WHAT: Kosmopolitische Flair with works by Pjotr Iljitsj Tsjajkovski, Antonin Dvořák, Murielle Lemay, Maurice Ravel WHO: Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen conducted by Martijn Dendievel; soloist: Tanguy de Williencourt WHERE & WHEN: deSingel, Sunday October 8, 3 p.m.
