Paul Watkins. Photo by Sasha Gusov.
Ronald McCoy - MSO: Great Classics Series - Soul of the Cello
31 May 2005
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s delivered a program of romantic grandeur of Brahms and Dvorák in its Great Classic Series.
Melbourne audiences have been fortunate this year with the quality of soloists playing with the MSO, and this program’s guest cellist was no exception.
Under Mark Wigglesworth’s direction, the program opened with the English cellist Paul Watkins performing the Dvorák Cello Concerto in B minor. Tackling this work, like Elgar’s Cello Concerto, is an act of courage in itself, mainly as the work is so loved and so well known by audiences, and the soloist has to work hard to stake their place alongside so many great historical performances.
Watkin’s energetic approach was perfectly suited to the youthful vigour of Dvorák’s writing. Scaling the heights of this work with technical ease, the audience was taken on a breathtaking journey.
With clear tone and intensity of line, Watkins delivered a sound energetic interpretation that melded well with the orchestra.
Like the Brahms that followed, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra demonstrated in the Dvorák, their close familiarity with the romantic orchestral repertoire with consummate ensemble playing, especially in the string sections.
Watkin’s performance was a program highlight, lifting the evening into one of the more memorable events of this series. Judging by the rousing audience applause, this was not only a critical, but a popular success also.
Melbourne audience’s love affair with Brahms continued in the second half of the program with the late work, Symphony no 4.
The MSO has had a lot of experience with Brahms over the years, and this shows in the very fine playing, balance, and tone. Superb string tone in the big unisons, even balance amongst the horns and woodwind and clear lines all made for a fine polished performance.
Wigglesworth’s clear style successfully maintained the structural balance throughout this piece, a central factor to take into account when successfully interpreting the detailed complexities that lie beneath the surface, which may not be apparent to the casual listener.
The confident authenticity of this performance of the Brahms shows what can be achieved when an orchestra has an opportunity to become familiar with a repertoire in developing strengths. Let’s hope that the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is given the opportunity to develop similar strengths in other repertoires over the coming years.
More Information
MSO: Great Classic Series - Soul of the Cello
For information about upcoming concerts in the Series visit the website or telephone: 03 9626 1111
Bookings: 1300 13 61 66
Website: http://www.mso.com.au/
