Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Adelaide Town Hall. 27 Mar 2013
The ASO has launched a new product with outstanding success – its “Composer in Focus” series. Whether you are new to classical music (or ‘serious’ concert music as I prefer to call it) or are a seasoned concertgoer, this series is a must. Unfortunately there are only three in the series, and each is a once-off, so you need to plan ahead.
The first concert focussed on Vivaldi, but there was a twist; more on that a little later on. When you think of Vivaldi, one immediately thinks of ‘The Four Seasons’. Everyone has heard it in one form or another; whether in a film, a TV commercial, in an elevator, or as presenter Richard Chew mischievously suggested, as a ring tone on a mobile device! It is a perennial favourite and it has been recorded umpteen times. It has even been re-composed. Try Googling ‘Vivaldi recomposed’, read the first one or two hits, and then go out and buy the CD. Or, if you are less of a luddite than me, download it – legitimately of course! You won’t be disappointed. Anyway, that’s a bit off-topic, and all I am suggesting is that Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’ doesn’t lose its appeal. It’s finger tapping good.
But the ASO isn’t after low hanging fruit by scheduling it. This concert had a difference, because it also featured tango music of Astor Piazzola that has been ‘arranged’ (not recomposed) by Ukrainian composer Leonid Desyatnikov to be reminiscent of … yes, you guessed it, Vivaldi!
Intrigued? Read on.
Argentinian composer and musician, Piazzola, who is well known for refining and popularising tango music to European audiences, wrote a collection of four pieces called ‘The Four Seasons of the Portenas’. Although written over a period of years and not as a coherent single composition, they were most certainly written as homage to Vivaldi. They are sassy, exciting, seedy, sexy and very satisfying, and Desyatnikov’s arrangements occasionally quote Vivaldi. To cap it off, the ASO chose to present the first movement of the Vivaldi, followed by the first section of the Piazzola, and so on. What a tantalising way to put a focus on Vivaldi.
The music was presented by 23 members of the ASO’s strings. The violinists stood all through the concert and were led by their extremely talented concert master Natsuko Yoshimoto. She played the solo violin parts and conducted as well. She wore a stunning backless gown and a red flower in her hair, evoking images of steamy tango dancers. Her playing was crisp and unaffected – no need for showy ostentation – rather she let keen understanding and exceptional talent do the work. Her duos with cellist, Ewen Bramble, were sublime and Bramble was almost transported by the experience.
This was a magical concert. The next composer in focus will look at Debussy (and Wagner) I can’t wait, and nor should you. Book now.
Kym Clayton
When: Closed
Where: Adelaide Town Hall
Bookings: Closed
