Review | Chinese pianist Zee Zee dazzles in Ravel concerto, NHK Symphony Orchestra nails Prokofiev’s 6th
- Soloist’s breathtaking technique was on display in performance of Ravel’s jazz-infused Concerto in G
- Japanese orchestra under Paavo Järvi played with power and precision in Prokofiev’s demanding and sometimes excruciating Symphony No. 6
Like a well-oiled and tightly run machine, Tokyo’s NHK Symphony Orchestra under its celebrated Estonian chief conductor Paavo Järvi gave a brilliant performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s austere and demanding Symphony No. 6 in E flat minor.
Prokofiev’s eerie depiction of “the painful results of war” in the opening Allegro moderato movement was interpreted in spectacular fashion and with laser-like precision from the wind and brass in the excruciating climaxes; oboe and cor anglais made superb contributions, the horns wailed wonderfully, and there was robust playing from the violas.
When lyricism intruded in the mournful Largo second movement, Järvi allowed the musicians to lap it up. Both the cello and viola sections blossomed, fully overcoming the Cultural Centre Concert Hall’s acoustic shortcomings.
Although Järvi’s breakneck Vivace finale left the relentless chugging rhythm feeling rocky on the rails at times, he kept a tight leash on its furious virtuosity, always accentuating the underlying echoes of darkness until the final sardonic cries from the NHK’s excellent brass battalion concluded the symphony.