Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Master Series 3. Adelaide Town Hall. 1 May 2015
We human beings like structure in our lives, including our music, but we also like to strike out and throw the rules way. First and Last, the third concert in the Master Series by our own world class Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, served up a satisfying sandwich of rule breaking and invention wrapped between two slices of comforting orderliness.
The rule breaking and invention was provided by contemporary Scottish composer James MacMillan’s remarkable Viola Concerto. Co-commissioned by the ASO, this was the Australian premiere of what is a remarkable composition. It’s not a concerto in the traditional sense. Yes it does have three movements, but that’s about where its connection with the ‘traditional form’ ends. There is no clear use of the usual theme/ development/ variation/ recapitulation approaches that we have all grown fond of – the very things that allows us to ‘understand’ a piece of music. What we have instead is “pure music” – three separate pieces that are inward looking and self-sufficient. The programme notes ask the audience to ponder how successfully MacMillan has added to the concerto genre and also to the viola repertoire. My response is that I don’t particularly care about the first question, but the viola canon has been well served, and at the hands of viola genius, Lawrence Power the result was spectacular.
Each movement of the ‘concerto’ is its own universe. The first has at times a bluesy de-tuned Gershwin feel to it. The second is often mournful and has long languid melody lines that evolve into a fluidity and energy that is reminiscent of John Adams single movement violin ‘concerto’ The Dharma at Big Sur. The third features an exciting musical duel between the soloist and the orchestra’s principal violas and cellos, almost with a ‘dueling banjos’ dramatic feel to it! The concerto abruptly ends, but the audience was on its feet in an instant. MacMillan and guest conductor Mark Wigglesworth were brought back for no less than four bows. All richly deserved.
MacMillan provided an imposing presence on stage. He is a tall man and holds his instrument with strength and authority. He is active on stage, and takes in all that is around him, frequently eyeballing the conductor and members of the orchestra. The lines of communication are palpable. His technique is undeniable, even dazzling, and the viola takes on a whole new dimension for us.
Great programming ASO. Well commissioned!
The first piece of bread for the evening was Haydn’s first symphony. I’ve never heard it before and it comes in at around 11 minutes. By comparison to the viola concerto that followed it, and Dvorak’s New World symphony that finished the evening, it is almost insignificant, but it had its charm. Interestingly the first movement at times gives unusual prominence to the violas by separating them from the usual bass accompaniment. A clever piece of programming by the ASO to lead us into the viola concerto!
The MacMillan was not everyone’s cup of tea, but the Dvorak certainly was. It is uber melodic and the Goin’ Home melody in the Largo movement is universally known and well loved. To my ear Wigglesworth took the adagio first movement a little more slowly than is usual, and it worked a treat. It gave opportunity for precise phrasing and for the interesting rhythmic structures to come to the fore. Peter Duggan’s cor anglais solo was superb and it was quite fitting that Wigglesworth should offer up his gorgeous congratulatory flowers (from Tynte florist) to Duggan at the conclusion of the concert.
There is remarkable depth to the ASO, and it was again a joy to see and hear talented artists unleash the music rather than just play the notes. Hugh Kluger is a relatively recent addition to the bass section and with his comparative youth he played the Dvorak with sassiness and attitude. Invigorating to watch, as it is to watch them all.
Wonderful concert. I’m still humming the Dvorak, though for the life of me I can’t recall a melody from the MacMillan, but the sense of excitement persists!
Kym Clayton
When: Closed
Where: Adelaide Town Hall
Bookings: Closed
