A gentle and refined performance by Rouvali's fresh conducting and the virtuosity of the Philharmonia Orchestra
By Michiru Fukase
Following the previously reported Program A, Program B featured a combination of Tchaikovsky and Bartók, showcasing a strong ethnic flavor. Furthermore, the selection of pieces directly highlighted the orchestra’s versatility. Combined with the fresh and dynamic conducting of the young, talented Finnish conductor, the performance was both gentle and refined, embodying the unique qualities of a leading British orchestra.
From the beginning of the first piece, Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, the magnificent and well-controlled brass section displayed its power, captivating the audience with its gentle tone, characteristic of British brass. The string section performed with a tight and precise ensemble, creating a calm atmosphere in harmony with the lush woodwinds. Rouvali’s baton ensured a smooth flow, never forcing the orchestra to rush forward. At the coda, he played a fierce accelerando, bringing the piece to a spirited conclusion.
The excellent combination of the two was particularly evident in the second half of the performance, Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. As expected, Rouvali allowed the orchestra’s virtuosity to shine naturally, avoiding any forceful driving, and conducted with lightness and clarity. Subtle nuances abounded in each well-defined section, enabling a wealth of intricate details to emerge.
The soft pianissimo at the beginning of the first movement reflected the close collaboration between conductor and orchestra. In the second movement, “Presentando le coppie,” the effective highlighting of the humorous woodwinds drew the listener’s attention. The folk idiom was skillfully interpreted and seamlessly blended with a modern flavor.
Of particular note was the perfectly synchronized bowing and pitch throughout the string section, from the front to the back. This precision was the foundation of the ensemble’s cohesive performance. Not only were the individual musicians highly skilled, but this level of professionalism is something that Japanese orchestras could greatly benefit from emulating.
Between the two pieces, the renowned pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii performed Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. With his characteristic clean tone and powerful touch, Tsujii brought out the piece’s appeal with great intensity. Although he had to carefully manage the balance between himself and the orchestra, performing with a prestigious British orchestra under a dynamic and versatile conductor must have been a valuable experience for Tsujii to further deepen his artistic horizons.
Performance Data
Philharmonia Orchestra Japan Tour B program
January 22th（Wed）19:00 Suntory Hall
Conductor: Santtu-Matias Rouvali
Piano: Nobuyuki Tsujii
Philharmonia Orchestra
Program
Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1 in B-flat minor, Op.23
Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra BB 123 Sz 116
Encore
Debussy: Suite bergamasque～Clair de Lune（Piano）
Brahms: Hungarian Dance No.1（Orchestra）
