(Report by Michael Green)
The six-concert summer symphony season of the KZN
Philharmonic Orchestra, in the Playhouse, Durban, opens on February 9 with
music from the early 19th and mid-20th centuries.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the Pastoral, is the main item
on the programme. Dating from 1808, this portrayal of the beauties of nature is
one of Beethoven’s best-loved masterpieces. One of the composer’s favourite
recreations was taking country walks, and that experience is depicted vividly
in this symphony.
The titles of the five movements are self-explanatory:
Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside; Scene by the
brook; Merry gathering of country folk; Thunderstorm; Happy and thankful
feelings after the storm.
The name Dmitri Shostakovich is a forbidding one for some
music-lovers; they associate it with harsh discords, grim themes and a bleak
atmosphere. That is true of some of the modern Russian composer’s large output.
But there is also another side to Shostakovich, one that is
tuneful, genial, rhythmical, humorous and generally appealing. That side is
represented in this concert by his Concerto No. 2 in F major.
It was written in 1957, four years after the death of Joseph
Stalin, the Soviet Union leader who was a constant threat to creative artists
who might step out of line with official policies.
In the more relaxed post-Stalin atmosphere Shostakovich
wrote this second concerto for the 19th birthday of his son Maxim, who gave the
first performance of the work.
It is full of catchy tunes and strong, toe-tapping rhythms.
The slow movement is gentle and romantic, and the two outer movements have many
brilliant virtuoso passages for pianist and orchestra.
The soloist on February 9 will be Joanna MacGregor, the
British pianist who has established a big reputation with performances in more
than 70 countries. The conductor will be the Canadian-born Kwame Ryan, who has
appeared with distinction in North America, Europe and the Far East.
Pre-concert lectures will be given before all the KZNPO
concerts. The lecturers discuss informally the music to be played and provide
musical illustrations. The purpose is to increase the enjoyment of those
attending the concert.
I will be giving the lecture on February 9, in the Alhambra
Room at the Playhouse at 18h00. Entry is R10. The lecture will end by 18h45, in
time for a drink and a snack before the concert starts at 19h30.
Bookings for the concert and for season tickets are at
Computicket or Checkers or the KZNPO, phone 031 369 9438. Or you can buy a
ticket on the night at the door. – Michael Green
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