The Second Violin Concerto is quintessential Bartók – dark, brooding, and marvelously atmospheric, melding the angst of the period with the urgency of modernism. Written as the scourge of Nazism descended over Europe, the Second embodies the turmoil of the period. It now rightly stands acknowledged as one of the great Violin Concertos of all time.
From the first notes of the opening melody, violinist Alina Ibragimova proved she was worthy of the spotlight. Playing a marvelous Anselmo Bellosio instrument from 1775, Ibragimova gave a masterful performance, handling the complexities of Bartók’s score with precision and authority.
Conductor James Gaffigan brought out the nuances of the piece, highlighting the important folk idioms. He encouraged a muscular reading of the score by the SSO with excellent work from the harp and strings. The poignant slow movement was especially satisfying.
The program opened with Dances of Galanta, by Zoltan Kodály, another Hungarian composer and a contemporary of Bartok. This is an altogether more romantic piece with more overtly traditional folk-music themes. From robust gypsy strains to reflective passages, this is a lovely work that allows the woodwinds to shine. It also has a special place for the triangle, surely the most humble of all orchestral instruments, but so important when required.
Continuing the dance flavour, the final piece was Sergei Rachmaninov’s delightful Symphonic Dances, again composed against the backdrop of the Second World War. The composer originally titled the work Fantastic Dances and named the three movements Midday, Twilight, and Midnight. It was again the slow movement – Twilight – that displayed the most emotional intensity. And throughout, the brass section was especially impressive.
In all, this was another display of fine musicianship from the SSO and an excellent pairing of conductor and soloist.
Rating: 4 Stars out of 5
Dancing with the Orchestra: Alina in the Spotlight
Program
KODÁLY Dances of Galanta
BARTÓK Violin Concerto No.2
RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances
Artist Information
James Gaffigan, conductor
Alina Ibragimova, violin
Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra
The Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
13-15 July 2017
