Asher Fisch, conductor. Image via Sydney Opera House.
A beautiful program of music by Brahms and Strauss delighted the audience at the Sydney Opera House. Under the superb guidance of Asher Fisch, principal conductor of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, this was an opportunity to reconsider these works that are often undervalued in the classical canon. Fisch is celebrated for his interpretative command of these works, and his knowledge and passion was in ample display.
The headline work, the superb An Alpine Symphony by Richard Strauss, filled the entire second half of the program. The 22 sections of this work are played continuously, the pieces segueing one into the next, sometimes smoothly, sometimes abruptly, but always with mood and feeling. They tell the story of a day in the mountains, from sunrise to sunset, the music following the rugged ascent and the tumultuous homeward journey.
This is orchestral music writ large, with 120 players on stage and each section having its moment in the spotlight. The woodwind, brass, percussion, and strings all have a big job to do here, and they did so with pace and precision. Even the SOH organ had its moment. Fisch balanced the competing elements perfectly and allowed the colourful nuances – a cowbell here, a crashing cymbal there – the air they needed to make an impact. And any aspiring oboe players would have been inspired by the moving solo. And that’s not to diminish the wonderful work of all the other solos throughout this mountainous extravaganza.
Before the break, the program was a mixed bag of two pieces for choral voice and orchestra by Brahms and a modern work After Brahms by Israeli-American composer Avner Dorman. This is comprised of three brief intermezzi, each with its own character and mood. The third piece, the adagio espressivo, was especially rewarding.
Then came the Song of Destiny and Song of the Fates by Brahms himself, with the magnificent singing of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Fisch managed the balance of orchestra and voice so skilfully that one never overpowered the other – indeed, the blend was seamless. This was a sensitive interpretation of Destiny and a robust reading of The Fates that gave it a sense of dignity and drama.
In all, this was a rewarding and uplifting program of music that deserved to be heard. Asher Fisch gave an impressive performance for his SSO debut and the orchestra’s playing was both elegant and exhilarating.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5
Songs & Vistas: An Alpine Symphony
Sydney Symphony Orchestra with the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Conductor Asher Fisch
Three performances, Sydney Opera House, March 29 & 31 and April 1,2017. (March 29 performance reviewed)
