The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performed Ernest Chausson’s Poème de l’Amour et de la Mer, accompanied by Wagner’s Prelude and Liebestod. Although the contrasting pieces risked miscommunication, the performance resulted in an impressive interpretation of Chausson’s song cycle, with a stunning solo performance. Sonya Yoncheva’s opulent soprano shone alongside the orchestra’s burnished string tone and soft-grained woodwinds, capturing the piece’s quasi-operatic crescendos and bringing true magic to Maurice Bouchor’s melancholy texts.
Domingo Hindoyan conducted a restrained version of the Prelude and ecstatic Liebestod, and although it contained captivating moments, the performance had some flaws. The orchestra’s supreme talent did not connect with its potent energy, which was lost during the fortissimo moments, risking falling into bombast. Nevertheless, the interpretation highlighted Tristan’s heady romance and revolutionary chromaticism.
The concert concluded with a contrasting piece, Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony, which achieved a lucid, often playful rendition under Hindoyan’s flawless conducting. The interpretation’s main focus was on the music’s undeniably beautiful moments, such as birdsong, trumpet fanfares, and wistful waltzes. It aimed to capture the symphony’s overall sweep, and the music transported the audience to sunnier climes, providing a moment of respite during the winter season.
The Rusalka Song to the Moon was the concert’s finale and encore, prompting an audible ripple of delight throughout the audience. The performance bridged the gap between the program’s contrasting pieces and fittingly ended the performance. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance was a testament to its high-quality talent and capability to interpret various pieces, providing a memorable experience for the audience
Read the full article from The Guardian here: Read More