Anton Bruckner: Symphony No.3 (vers. 1888-9, ed. Novak)
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stanislaw Skrowaczewski conductor
Benjamin Beilman violin
Royal Festival Hall, London, 14 March 2014
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| Stanislaw Skrowaczewski |
Like great wine, great conductors frequently reveal new layers of musicianship later in life. Stanislaw Skrowaczewski turned 90 last year and has spent a lifetime learning his Bruckner; the last time I saw him conduct was 20 years ago and also in the Bruckner 3rd Symphony. This was a memorable evening at the Festival Hall.
We were clearly in safe hands from the start of the Bruckner. A composer as well as conductor, Skrowaczewski shaped phrases
with calm assurance. His is an unhurried style, unafraid of that distinctively Brucknerian symphonic punctuation. Neither does he overheat. The Third was allowed to build logically without exaggerated dynamics and the heavy underlining that drive many a "super-cosmic" interpretation.
The London Philharmonic were solid partners, albeit not anyone's first choice in this repertoire. The brass were strong but over-bright and the strings lacking that extra depth of strength and tone. Indeed a glance towards the back decks of the violins revealed some timid bowing and heads buried in scores.
Earlier, 24 year old Benjamin Beilman had thrown into relief Skrowaczewski's 90 years. He gave a strong, direct and muscular reading of Mendelssohn's wonder concerto for violin. He has real poise which communicated best in the Andante. It was left to the conducter again here to draw out some luminous moments from the woodwind. 90 and going strong.
