DVD Review
DVD Concert:
Jean SIBELIUS (1865-1957) Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D minor
Manuel DE FALLA (1876-1946) Nights in the Gardens of Spain* Maxim
Vengerov (violin), Daniel Barenboim (pianist); Conductors: Daniel Barenboim
and Placido Domingo*
ARTHAUS MUSIK 100
034 [87 mins]
Blackstar
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Here is music of drama and passion to fire the imagination, to set the
movie-cameras of the mind awhirl.
Sibelius's Violin Concerto was written in 1903 one year after the completion
of his Second Symphony. Both works were written under the influence of the
patriotic liberation movement that had taken possession of the Finnish composer
since the early 1890s. It is a richly melodic and deeply felt work with broad
sweeping noble melodies that linger in the mind and plenty of drama. Vengerov
brings much passion and sensitivity to his interpretation served by Barenboim's
strong-attack accompaniment. As a listening experience it scores highly,
but the visuals are poor; i.e. - the spartan look of the Cologne concert
hall - no relief from the bland wooden décor - and the too-lingering,
one-angle, close-ups of Vengerov's intense facial distortions. Frankly, for
this part of the concert, I you close your eyes.
Things improve when the cameras have the opportunity of looking at Barenboim
at the grand piano (although more variety of shots would have helped). It
is very interesting to see one of the Three Tenors on the conducting podium
and Domingo acquits himself very well in De Falla's wonderfully atmospheric
Nights in the Gardens of Spain. This work is a true partnership with the
piano soloist never dominating the orchestra but adding weight and colour
to the texture. And this is a vividly coloured work. The opening movement
'In the Generalife' is set in the summer residence of the Moorish kings of
Granada above the Alhambra. The music is a set of free variations on an intensely
Arabian-coloured motif. The short second movement, 'Distant Dance' segues
into the final 'In the Gardens of the Siera de Cordoba' with its vibrant
stomping dance rhythms. Barenboim and Domingo partner each other stylishly
to bring out all the proud hauteur, the erotic, thrilling sensuality, and
the perfumed nocturnal atmosphere of this music.
The concert also has two solo encores for Vengerov: Bach's Sarabande from
his Partita No. 2 in D minor and Eugène Ysaÿe's Ballade from
his Sonata No. 3 in D minor. Barenboim closes the concert with more colourful
pieces by De Falla: Farruca from The Three Cornered Hat
and The Magic Circle and The Ritual Fire Dance from Love
the Magician.
Reviewer
Ian Lace
