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Wagner, Schumann and Dvořák: Jean Louis Steuerman (piano), London Philharmonic Orchestra, Roberto Minczuk. Royal Festival Hall, London, 5.12.2008 (BBr)

Wagner: Overture: The Flying Dutchman (1843)
Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor (1841 and 1845)
Dvořák: Symphony No.6 in D (1880)


I wonder if Wagner’s Flying Dutchman is the only opera where the overture outshines the opera itself? Certainly it’s such a striking piece that it can stand as a tone poem of the sea without reference to its real purpose. Minczuk’s rip–roaring performance this evening had just the right salty tang to it, with resplendent horns whooping and calling and limpid woodwinds. The LPO played magnificently.

The Schumann Concerto which followed left me in an ambivalent frame of mind. Certainly the audience went wild at the end, but I wondered if the performance had deserved such an ovation. Steuerman possesses fingers made of steel, and he was quite happy, and at ease, with the bravura writing, making the most of it, but the gentlenss of the more reflective music eluded him. It was all a bit hammer and bash, with little finesse, and it left me cold. However, for the first time this year, in this hall, I felt a really good balance between soloist and orchestra.

Dvořák’s 6th Symphony, his pastoral, received a stunning performance. We seldom hear this glowing work in concert, it’s unfairly overshadowed by the magnificent three Symphonies which follow it, so this was a special occasion. The orchestra obviously relished the chance to play this piece for it gave everything it could to make the most of the colours and textures of the music. There are no problems in this Symphony, even the outburst of the slow movement is short lived, and it’s filled with sunshine and the Bohemian countryside. Minczuk paced the first movement well, allowing the easy going lyricism, which grows from humble beginnings, to lead the way. The darkly, passionate, slow movement featured some fine string playing and the vivacious Furiant Scherzo was suitably heavy as the peasants danced in the fields and meadows. The finale contains the most wonderful jokes and the coda, in particular, is spectacular in its twists and turns and false endings. This was a spelndid performance, fresh and alive, with superb direction and a real sense of good humour.

Minczuk is a fine conductor and hopefully he’ll be seen here more often, for, with performances as good as this, he is a delight to have on the podium.

Bob Briggs


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