The Scottish Chamber Orchestra concert was conducted by the guest Finnish conductor John Storgards and the first piece on the programme was by one of his compatriots the composer Einojuhani Rautavara.
A visionary piece for strings (where the double basses are highlighted) “Into the Heart of the Light” comprises a musical journey where the listener’s moods fluctuate from contemplation to turmoil.
With delicate, haunting moments one is taken to the heart of darkness before eventually arriving at the heart of light. A passionate conductor, Storgards engages all with his energy and after all the unrest the piece concludes with a serene cello solo – performed movingly by Su-a Lee.
Artur Pizarro, the Portuguese pianist, was the soloist in the next composition, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 2 in B flat major. Despite the fact it is known as his second piano concerto, it was in fact his first and you can tell he was experimenting with this type of concerto as it has a certain simplicity.
It is not a virtuoso piece but it is a challenge for a pianist to perform because it is more difficult to evoke emotion from a piano composition when there are few notes but Pizarro succeeded in playing the single note cadenza with such sweetness, it was a delight to listen to.
He also incorporated a certain playfulness in the interpretation of the concerto and performed immaculate runs. The musicians also, under Storgards baton, created great light and shade in their playing, particularly in the first movement. A much appreciated performance by the audience.
The final piece on the programme was Mendelssohn’s Symphony No 5 in D major. Called the ‘Reformation’ symphony, it was composed in 1830 in celebration of the tricentenary of the Augsburg Confession which heralded the protestant reformation.
Composed when he was only twenty-three years old this bold, ambitious symphony, [which was in fact his second] with its resounding majestic brass section, must have influenced Wagner half a century later.
Vigorously conducted by Storgards, the orchestra sounded superb and Cormac Henry gave a flawless performance in the solo flute passage. A thrilling performance which received a well deserved tumultuous response from the audience.
Show times
Friday 7 December – Glasgow City Halls, 7.30pm
Saturday 8 December – Aberdeen Music Hall 7.30pm
Tickets
£13 (concs £27)