Orchestral triumph at the Barbican
Featuring soloist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and returning conductor Sir Simon Rattle, the London Symphony Orchestra delivered an electrifying performance last night at the Barbican, reports BritPanorama.
Béla Bartók’s Violin Concerto No. 2 formed the centrepiece of the evening, reflecting the composer’s darker period in 1937, just three years before he left Hungary amidst rising tensions with the Nazis. This concerto embodies Bartók’s unique ability to create a new musical landscape, fusing a range of styles.
The concerto showcased a dynamic interplay between orchestra and soloist, as Rattle guided the ensemble through its three movements, which juxtapose folk idioms with moments of near-atonality. Kopatchinskaja’s performance stood out, merging exceptional technical skill with an interpretation that felt deeply personal and immersive.
Her dynamic range was notable, with highlights including the ethereal melodic lines over the harp’s resonance and a vibrant, almost frenetic cadenza. This interplay not only emphasised Kopatchinskaja’s remarkable artistry but illuminated Bartók’s genius as well, demonstrating the compelling nature of both the concerto and the performance itself.
The evening’s second half featured Bartók’s Five Hungarian Folk Songs for Voice and Orchestra, performed by mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham, whose operatic voice brought a vivid contrast to this earthy material. Despite the sensitivity of the orchestration, some felt the combination diverged from the rustic origins of the piece.
In contrast, Manuel de Falla’s 1916 ballet The Three-Cornered Hat provided a lively, cinematic experience filled with vibrant rhythms evocative of Andalusian culture. The performance was marked by spirited moments, with strong contributions from the orchestra, particularly bassoonist Rachel Gough, and Shaham’s engaging return during her vocal solos.
As the LSO continued to deliver a polished performance under Rattle’s direction, the atmosphere in the Barbican felt electric, momentarily elevating spirits through a shared experience of music, rhythm, and artistry.
This concert was recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
