I can’t believe it is already over. Just a tantalisingly short two concert season to remind us of what once was. It was marvellous.
Symphony concerts almost invariably follow the format of an opening piece, usually an overture, followed by a concerto, then a symphony.
Last night’s concert was a perfect example. The overture was Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. The concerto was Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. The symphony was Beethoven’s Eroica, Symphony No 3.
Maestro Justus Frantz was on the podium. He is an acclaimed German pianist and conductor, no longer young. He flouted the usual dress code, opting for comfort instead of tradition. I’m inclined to be disapproving until I think of my own comfort over style dressing. Ja nee. The important thing is the music and that was wonderful.
The concerto was the sumptious Violin Concerto in E minor by Mendelssohn with the soloist being a young Korean, Eu-Yun Choi. The concerto is deceptively simple. It is often the first concerto violinists add to their repertoire. However Jascha Heifetz rates it as the most difficult opening to play in tune of all violin concertos. Eu-Yun Choi took it at a lively pace and her playing was sweet and warm throughout.
The Beethoven Eroica, (meaning “heroic”) or the Symphony No 3 in E in E flat major, Opus 55 has a funeral march as its second (slow) movement. This movement was dedicated to those who have died from COVID. This added to the solemn nature of the movement. The rest of the work is more optimistic.
All in all this was very satisfying. Well done to Bongani Temba, CEO of the orchestra, and his whole team. Thank you for the music. I’m looking forward to a full season soon.
What I do, see, hear, eat and drink. 