Springfield Symphony Orchestra
February 6, 2016
by Michael J. Moran
What better way to mark the belated arrival of winter in the
Valley than with a concert of Scandinavian music? For the third classical
program of the season, SSO Music Director Kevin Rhodes selected two familiar
masterpieces, and one that should be better known, by three composers from
Finland, Norway, and Denmark.
Sibelius’ patriotic tone poem “Finlandia” was a rousing opener
in the orchestra’s dramatic performance, tense at the foreboding start, warm in
the central hymn-like theme, and thrilling in the triumphant conclusion. The
brasses were firm and blazing, while shimmering strings and delicate woodwinds
provided sonic and emotional contrast.
Rising American pianist Claire Huangci was featured next in
a dazzling account of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Her technical finesse
and interpretive depth made this repertory staple sound new again. From the
thunderous power of the opening Allegro, to the glowing hush of the tender
Adagio, and the romping energy of the folk like finale, Huangci was in total
control. Her greater maturity since her SSO debut in Chopin’s F minor concerto
at age 18 in 2008 was impressively evident. The orchestra were equal partners
in bringing Grieg’s wide palette of instrumental colors to life. Huangci’s
chops were even clearer in her finger-busting encore of Turkish pianist Fazil
Say’s jazzy take on Mozart’s Turkish March.
Intermission was followed by a visceral rendition (the SSO’s
first) of Nielsen’s rarely heard third symphony. Called “Sinfonia Espansiva”
after the “Allegro espansiva” tempo marking of its first movement, the entire
piece radiates the zest for life also suggested by its nickname. The vigor of
the opening movement, the languor of the pastoral Andante, the gentle humor of
the Allegretto, and the high spirits of the finale were all delivered with
polish and conviction by Rhodes and his players. The Andante ends with a
wordless vocal passage for soprano and baritone, rapturously sung by Dana Lynne
Varga and John Salvi, whose voices blended magically with the orchestral
instruments.
By evening’s end, the goal stated in the Maestro’s program
book “Reflections” to highlight the distinctive individual sounds of three
Nordic composers was abundantly achieved.
