By Erwin Dreessen
On Sept. 29, a packed Southam Hall enjoyed world-renowned pianist Lang Lang (b. 1982) give a brilliant rendition of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor,” Op. 73; 1809). Subtle and delicate, forceful and passionate, he displayed it all. The NAC Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Shelley, provided perfectly executed support.
The concerto has been enthusiastically received ever since its premiere in 1811. It was a favourite of Franz Liszt. Alfred Brendel, another world-class pianist, praised its “grand and radiant vision, a noble vision of freedom.” It remains one of the most popular in the classical music canon.
Before intermission, the Orchestra played Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony (Op. 92; 1812). As Richard Wagner noted, it’s a work that is meant to spread joy: ““Here every impetuosity, every longing and ranting of the heart becomes a blissful exuberance of joy.“ Even the second movement, a funeral march, is an Allegretto! I was especially taken by the fourth movement (Allegro con brio), a spirited dance that ends in a frenzy (unusually marked as to be played fortississimo).
Beethoven’s optimism when he was writing this symphony was validated, despite this also being the period when his crush on Antonie Brentano came to an end. As the NAC program notes inform, in 1814 the symphony received a public performance where, to great acclaim, also his famous “battle symphony,” Wellington’s Victory, was played. “These years were a high point for Beethoven in terms of his fame and popular acclaim in Viennese cultural life.”
Shelley, conducting without a score, led the orchestra in as crisp a performance as I’ve ever heard it play. With this performance he has proven that in his eleven years at the helm (now his last) he has honed the orchestra to a fine instrument, recalling the days of Mario Bernardi. He will be missed.
Many versions of both these works are available on the internet for your listening pleasure. Here is the piano concerto, by the PKF Prague Philharmonia conducted by Lukas Klansky and Johanna Hanikova at the piano, recorded live on March 15, 2019 in the Bohuslav Martinu Hall, Lichtenstein Palace, Prague. As for the Seventh Symphony, listen here to Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam, perform it in 2009.
For more NAC Orchestra concerts visit their season schedule online.
