RACHMANINOFF AND TCHAIKOVSKY
Hurrah for old Russia (not sure of the new). The music of its masters is timeless. Also many cheers for the St Catharine’s Music Society’s latest concert at West Road. They brought us two great works though one is less well known. In the first half we had Rachmaninoff’s gorgeous 2nd Piano Concerto. In the second, a relatively early work of Tchaikovsky – his 2nd Symphony also known as ‘Little Russian’
The college band was more than ably led by Rhys Lewis; no professional conductor he but a third year maths student. If his quadratic equations are as good as his baton waving, then he will sail through his exams. He brought a considerable energy to the role – virtually dancing his way through the huge scores. One wondered if he imagined himself in ‘Strictly Come Conducting’ waltzing his way among the brass section. He had plenty to dance about. The Tchaikovsky is full of exciting melodies. The composer drew on a wealth of Russian folk songs. The first movement opened with a fine horn fanfare played with confident ease. It set the scene for a fiery forty minutes not least of which was a grand finale that threatened to blow the doors off the concert hall. The playing (with a few exceptions) was admirably solid with some especially fine work in the strings and woodwind sections.
The first half had the more mature work: the ‘Rach Second’ is of course well loved by all lovers of ‘Brief Encounter’. The soloist, Ashwin Tennant, also an undergrad, gave a terrific performance of the Rachmaninoff treasured piece. From the opening crashing chords sending aural goosebumps into every romantic heart, to the delicate hymn-like serenity of the middle movement, soloist and orchestra were in perfect blend. There was a moment when the BIG THEME of the first movement comes back orchestrated with immense power, when pianist Tennant seemed to float over his piano stool. This clearly was no piano exercise performance. The famous third movement came off with bags of gusto and musical drama and no one could worry about the odd missed note in the brasses.
The unusually sparse audience gave the players a huge and resounding fugue of cheers – well deserved. Hail to St Cats and all hail to the old Russia we used to know and could love.
