Weaving a spell with magic fingers

BEETHOVEN’S EMPEROR Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Marko Letonja, conductor Nelson Freire, piano Federation Concert Hall, Hobart March 9

VETERAN master pianist Nelson Freire, 73, offered a Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat, Op 73, Emperor that was clear-eyed and devoid of interpretative tricks.

There was a purity of line and depth of understanding that was matched by the TSO’s robust and muscular support.

A case of art concealing art, the pianist’s fingers seemed to glide effortlessly to the keys in the demanding outer movements, while the slow movement was appropriately hushed and serene.

Conductor Marko Letonja and the orchestra avoided any feeling of anticlimax in the Mahler and Shostakovich performances in the second half of the program.

Benjamin Britten’s arrangement of the short second movement from Mahler’s Symphony No.3 — What the Wild Flowers Tell Me — was a delight.

Shostakovich’s Symphony No.9 in E flat major, Op.70 is certainly not the triumphant victory symphony expected by Stalin in 1945 to glorify the defeat of German fascism. Instead, the daring composer chose to present a mainly lighthearted, humorous piece, barely hiding Shostakovich’s sarcasm and satirical put-down on the pompous expectations of the Soviet leadership. The conductor set some exciting tempi, and there were plenty of opportunities for solo instrumental turns.

Special plaudits must go to Tahnee van Herk (bassoon) and Paul Goodchild (trumpet — deputising for an indisposed Yoram Levy).