Tchai-Of-Course-Sky
Last evening at the SSO opened the new season with the up-and-coming Uzbekistan sensation Behzod Abduraimov in Tchaikovsky's warhorse, the evergreen Piano Concerto No 1.
On most minds and lips is still the indelible episode when another young prodigy established in his career, disappointingly gave a lacklustre and, to borrow the words of a critic, "shocking" performance of the same work some years back.
Last evening was no such tragedy. Of drama, it was dealt out generously with a reading that was just nice, neither stinging on the virtuosity nor overloading on the pyrotechnics.
Abduraimov was self assured for all of his youth and exuded a cool, calm and collected presence despite the monumental task literally at hand. Chords were confidently tackled and runs were smoothly despatched.
When the octaves came, everyone listened with bated anticipation. They were richly rewarded with a take that did not rush headlong into a mess of notes but of one clearly and precisely articulated.
The soloist may have headlined the concert but one happened to randomly browse and assess the musicians roll when a name jumped out of the pages. Paul Philbert! On a temporary contract! Sharing Principal duties with Jonathan Fox on the timpani.
Some orchestra musicians make a name for themselves and even go on to solo careers, the first name springing to mind being Enmanuel Pahud of the Berliner Philharmoniker. If the timpani had a more representative repertoire, Philbert would be the obvious choice.
Still fresh in mind was his contribution to the Choral Symphony some years back with the MPO. Possessing stylish showmanship, he took his position at the apex of the stage and characteristically folded his arms waiting for his cues.
Now, I'm looking forward to the SSO season.
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