A sumptuous Sibelius feast

I generally do not like a concert of a single composer fare (unless it is Beethoven!). But this concert on 16 October 2011 that comprised Sibelius' Finlandia, the Violin Concerto and the 2nd Symphony was perfect as the artists made sure that the MPO and audience enjoyed themselves immensely.

Both artists were on their return visits to DFP, KL and the half-filled hall enjoyed the musical feast thoroughly. Commencing with Finlandia, the MPO played this most nationalistic of Sibelius' output with sumptuous feeling and expression, yielding a "Bravo" from a member of the audience at the end.

Soloist Barnabas Kelemen (who played Mozart's Third Violin Concerto on his prior visit) was in his element for the Violin Concerto - which was played with immaculate bow control and pin-point intonation throughout. What was more important was that he was entirely submerged in this unique piece and its subtle nuances. One negative point that I would like to mention is that his phrasing was a bit "rushed". As he matures, I think Kelemen would take a bit more time for his solo phrases.

However, what resulted from this young player was one of the very best interpretations I have ever heard (Heifetz and Neveu are amongst the top players in the Sibelius). After many curtain calls, Kelemen returned to play us an encore of the Gigue from JS Bach's Second Partita BWV1004.

Continuing the superb collaboration, Estonian conductor Olari Elts led the orchestra in a dynamic, compact and well-phrased interpretation of Sibelius' lush 2nd Symphony. The audience gave him a very long and heart-felt ovation. The MPO should have him back in a future season - perhaps to flank a violin concerto (that had not been played at DFP like the Khachaturian Violin Concerto) with Sibelius' Karelia Suite and the Fifth Symphony.