30th July 2014
Royal Albert Hall, London, United Kingdom
BIRTWISTLE Night's Black Bird
RAVEL Piano Concerto for the Left Hand
MAHLER Symphony No. 5
Alexandre Tharaud (piano)
BBC Philharmonic
Juanjo Mena (conductor)
Alexandre Tharaud played the Ravel LH with his signature grace and elegance, though at an unbelievably lightning speed for this concerto (massive credits to the bassoonist who kept up with him in the 6/8 section), thus depriving it of the spiritual depth and tragedy it requires, which is a bit disappointing. The lightness of the playing, as amazing as it is, does not carry in the RAH. Standing through the Birtwistle in this packed hall is an absolute torture and I have very little interest in Mahler 5 so I am going to Marks and Spencer now.
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