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SEEN AND HEARD
CONCERT REVIEW
Proms Chamber Music 7 – Janáček and Schubert: Lars Vogt (piano), Cadogan Hall, London, 30.8.2010 (BBr)
Janáček: In the Mists (1912)
Schubert: Piano Sonata in G major, D894 (1826)
Vogt’s view of both works was of two long, single, entities. Thus we only had a slight breath between movements, but what we lost in time for reflection we gained in intensity and purity of vision. In the Mists was Janáček’s final piano work and in fact, in the last sixteen years of his life he devoted himself to vocal and chamber works and opera. This is our loss for In the Mists is a towering masterpiece and points the way forward in 20th century piano music – not that anyone knew it at the time. In an interview given in the middle of the show, Vogt said that in both works, “the soul is under attack…you’re never quite safe. There are incredible outbursts which are really full of blood, and full of anger.” Certainly both performances included huge climaxes which grew from the material and overpowered the listeners. Thus In the Mists was no longer a look at a misty landscape but an insight into a truly tortured soul.
Schubert’s seeming easy going G major Sonata, was no longer a pleasant journey but was full of anguish and fury. Vogt’s view was symphonic, not to say epic, and although lyricism was to the fore – how could it not be with this composer? – battles were fought, and won, during the course of the work. Even at the very end, which seems so content, we felt not, “quite safe”.
A superb recital by a master technician and an insightful and intelligent musician. Vogt’s intensity and strength of vision shone through every bar and his readings of these two works were a revelation. This was a great show and a real treat for those of us lucky enough to have been able to make the trip to Sloane Square this Bank Holiday Monday.
Bob Briggs