Daydreaming and the sins of youth (review)

5. březen 2012

Looking back upon concert of PRSO in Brucknerhaus, Linz (Sunday, 26. 2. 2012)Neues Volksblatt, 28. 2. 2012 Georgina Szeless

The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra directed by the former principal conductor of Prague’s State Opera, Leoš Svárovský (51), scored a success with an impressive matinee performance at the Brucknerhaus in Linz comprised of pieces that we rarely come across in concert halls. That was guaranteed by the quality of the traditions of the storied orchestra, at whose conductor’s stand have stood many famous conductors, and one passionate musician with Slavic music in his blood. As conducted by Svárovský, Josef Suk’s Fantastic Scherzo op. 25 was dripping with love for the detail which is abundant in this piece by Antonín Dvořák’s son-in-law, from the melancholy currents found at the heart of a swirl of dance to typical national motifs.

Richard Strauss described his 1945 Concerto for Oboe in d major op. 144 as a “wrist exercise”. However, if you follow the solo part this turns out to be a mere side effect of performing the composition. Vilém Veverka proved capable of using his entire range to perform the ever-present solo part in its changeability and lucid sonority, even though it places no great demands on virtuosity. At the same time, his sensitive abandon visibly underscored the attitude of the “strange daydreamer” that is close to many oboists. The addition of part of a “Love Letter” fit that impressive image perfectly.

The audience later lapped up Tchaikovsky’s sin of youth, the First Symphony in G minor. The composition may be overshadowed by its better-known sisters and squint in a friendly manner at Mendelssohn. However, in its thoroughly faithfully wrought form in the disguise of a symphonic poem, it is true to its title and evokes pleasant “winter dreams”. Rapturous applause.


Buy our CDs