Gifted violinist delivers taste of Spain
As the final concert of its Serenade Series for the current season, the CPO presented a program devoted to the music of sunny Spain.
More than most European countries, it was Spain that attracted the imagination of romantic composers, and as a result some of the most Spanish-sounding music came from composers with such good Spanish names such as RimskyKorsakov, SaintSaens and Ravel — all of whom were featured on the concert.
On hand to lend a little zip to the proceedings was the eminent American violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Pine has more than 15 CDS to her credit and is an artist with a strong personality, both as a person and as a musician. This was evident in the vivacity and flair with which she performed her solos, which included the Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso by Saint-saens and Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy.
Both of these works have long been showpieces for virtuoso violinists, but despite their familiarity, they make their mark when played with the authority and technical mastery displayed by Pine on this occasion. Warming to the great melodies and the virtuoso fingerwork, Pine was impressive and convincing in her playing, her tone beautifully singing and sweet.
In response to the extremely warm applause, Pine played her own transcription of the Asturias movement from Albeniz’ Suite Espanola, a work intimately associated with the very essence of Spain’s guitar culture.
On its own, the orchestra played Manuel de Falla’s immensely colourful El Amor Brujo Suite, the highlight of the evening in terms of the sophistication of the orchestral playing. The myriad short solos were expertly handled by the various members of the orchestra and the overall effect was superb.
Filling in for the CPO’S ailing soloist was Calgary mezzo-soprano Edith Prichard, whose command of the de Falla Spanish style was secure and idiomatic. Singing with a strong, clear voice and great confidence, Prichard gave the three folkinflected songs the precise characterization and colour they require.
The concert was framed by two other Spanish-style orchestral works, the Capriccio espagnol by Rimsky-korsakov and Ravel’s Bolero. Both works are well known to the orchestra and under Roberto Minczuk’s baton were played with panache.
All the music on the concert was home turf for Minczuk, who led the orchestra with a fine feel, bringing out the orchestral colours and also handling the grand climaxes with balance and strength. A concert of popular favourites, it brought out a goodsized audience, happy to enjoy the sounds and rhythms of Spain.