Hartford Symphony, Hartford, CT
through February 17, 2013
by Michael J. Moran
 |
| Carolyn Kuan |
Rarely does a classical concert include only one movement of
a symphony, but iconoclastic programmer and HSO Music Director Carolyn Kuan
began the orchestra’s fifth “Masterworks” program with the “Adagietto” movement
of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, a sort of love letter to the composer's wife. Its
melting lyricism in a radiant performance by the HSO strings and acting
principal harp Susan Knapp Thomas proved a lovely opener for this tribute to
Valentine’s Day.
An energetic account of a suite from Falla’s comic love
ballet "The Three-Cornered Hat" followed, featuring Spanish-flavored
percussion as well as outstanding work from principal bassoon Yeh Chi Wang, and
led by an especially animated Kuan. Enthusiastic applause for both pieces
suggested that she should consider presenting the ballet and the symphony
complete in future concerts.
Orchestral selections from Bizet’s "Carmen" were
conducted by Brazilian-born Alexandra Arrieche, the newest recipient of the
Taki Concordia Fellowship for young women conductors that was first won by Kuan
in 2003. Arrieche drew lively and dramatic playing from an expanded orchestra,
with distinguished solo work by harpist Thomas again, principal flute Greig
Shearer, and principal trumpet Scott McIntosh. Like Kuan, Arrieche’s stage
presence was engaging and her technique clear and forceful.
The program concluded after intermission with a blazing
rendition by Alexander Kobrin of perhaps the most challenging piece in the
repertoire, Rachmaninoff’s "Concerto No. 3." While meeting the
technical demands with ease, the youthful Russian pianist probed the emotional
depths of the alternately melancholy and exhilarating music just as
convincingly. His rhapsodic playing and the orchestra’s nuanced virtuosity
under Kuan even recalled the classic recording by the composer with Ormandy and
the Philadelphia Orchestra. An encore, Rachmaninoff’s "Prelude in G-sharp
minor," further highlighted the subtlety of Kobrin’s stunning artistry.
The Valentine’s theme was nicely enhanced with readings
before the Falla by Hartt School faculty spouses Malcolm and Johanna Morrison
of love letters respectively from Mozart to his wife Costanza and from Zelda to
her husband F. Scott Fitzgerald.
