Kathryn Stott &
Noriko Ogawa (pianos), Jason Lai (conductor), BBC Philharmonic
orchestra, 21 March
2003, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, UK
Fitkin describes Circuit
as having 'an overall grid', and the piece certainly falls into
blocks of very different styles, from the heavy repeated chords
of the opening, through rapid percussive passages, to quiet,
reflective passages in an impressionist style. The orchestration
is also very varied, from melodic strings counterpointing the
percussive piano lines, to brass fanfares with a decided jazz
influence. And then, somehow, the patchwork all melded into one
and all the styles converged into a single, melodic finale, which
was both intellectually and emotionally satisfying.
Both pianists rose to the challenge of this incredibly technical
music with terrific verve. In particular, it was great to see
Kathryn Stott -- who I know for her romantic and sensitive
Beethoven and Mozart interpretations -- counting away furiously!
Stott and Ogawa were too short to see over the scores they were
playing from, and so after the start, they couldn't see each
other at all.
It was also great to see a concert hall 80% full for a programme
including new music -- which certainly wouldn't happen in London!
Fitkin received a tremendous ovation, limping on stage with some
difficulty (he appeared to have a leg injury).
The rest of the programme, two-piano concertos by Mozart, Bruch
& Poulenc, each with different pairs of pianists, rounded off
a tremendous evening. The programme seemed to have been chosen to
give a quick romp through the history of music for orchestra and
(two) piano(s). This concert was part of the Manchester Piano
Festival, directed by Kathryn Stott. Circuit lasts
approximately 20 minutes.
Tavia (the_espresso_addict@fireflyuk.net )
28 March 2003
Last updated 28 March 2003