Last week I had the pleasure of attending three orchestra concerts in as many days, each with a different orchestra. All three had programmed piano concertos.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) played Mozart’s 20th piano concerto. This is one of my favorites. The piano part sounds like glistening falls of pure, clear water. The sharp clear sound of a concert grand piano is liquid and gorgeous when Mozart is being played.
The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) played Beethoven’s 3rd piano concerto. Under the leadership of Maestro Noseda, the NSO has become a truly excellent ensemble. For this concert, the orchestra was led by visiting conductor Maestro Carlos Miquel Prieto and the pianist was Jorge Federico Osorio. They both were so superb! I particularly like the second movement of this concerto. There’s a lovely bit where the flute and bassoon play off one another while the piano just doodles around in a light pattern of glitter overhead. Moments later the lower strings hold a long note and then take two steps down. It is so poignant and lovely. I have wondered for many years why it is that some chords and sounds are so stunningly beautiful. If I knew more about music theory I could talk about the various modes (Aeolian, Lydian, Frisian, etc.) the composer used to create the sensations we feel as we listen. For now, I’m just going to listen and enjoy.
The Philadelphia Orchestra the next day was just superb! What a remarkable ensemble they are! Pianist Yuja Wang (wearing a fabulous pair of Louboutins!) played the Tchaikovsky piano concerto. This is the second time I’ve had the privilege to hear Ms. Wang play. Her hands just seemed like a blur shimmering over the keyboard. I had forgotten how lovely the second movement is in this concerto; it fills your heart with a deep longing that is sorrowful and beautiful at the same time.
It was a great pleasure to hear all three of these concerts. I thank the composers for writing such gorgeous music and I thank the musicians for playing it so beautifully!
We must be soldiers for Art! 