Peer group pleasure

PEER GYNT Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Marko Letonja, conductor Sue-Ellen Paulsen, cello With Ryk Goddard, Lisa McCune, John Xintavelonis Federation Concert Hall, Hobart March 17

FRIEDRICH Gulda’s Concerto for Cello and Wind Orchestra (1981) is a crazy, over-the-top piece in five movements that are without any stylistic connection.

Influences range from jazz and big band to folk and a more traditional classical idiom. The concerto is also wildly entertaining and tuneful, Sue-Ellen Paulsen clearly relishing every moment in a truly virtuoso performance, including a brilliantly played central solo cadenza.

Grieg’s incidental music to Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt is known usually in the two suites that are staples of the repertoire. This attempt to dramatise the piece restores most of the memorable score.

The story is a typically dark Nordic tale, with the ne’er-do-well protagonist Peer a difficult character to care about. That said, Ryk Goddard in this version directed by Antony Ernst made the most of the part in an animated, often humorous performance. Lisa McCune was highly effective in the contrasted roles of the women in his life, managing her vocals commendably.

John Xintavelonis was also excellent as the narrator and four other characters.

June Tyzack’s splendid TSO Chorus sang with great gusto and character, but their diction suffered seriously due to the necessary removal of the central sound reflector panel from the stage, which would have tamed the resonance and ensured greater clarity.

Orchestra and conductor were in predictably fine fettle.