Three aspects of Nordic music

Berwaldhallen (Stockholm) 2019-03-15

Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Thomas Søndergård
Soloist: Conrad Tao, piano

Alfvén: Suite from Bergakungen
Schnelzer: This is Your Kingdom - piano concerto (first performance)
Sibelius: Symphony no 1 


I have been really looking forward to this concert. One reason is the premiere of Albert Schnelzers piano concerto. The other reason is the opportunity to hear Conrad Tao the third time this season in Berwaldhallen.
Unfortunately this concerto didn't really live up to my expectations. It was monumental in its massive and intense parts, but it was as if the composer wanted to show up something instead of establishing a communication. The sound blocks were thick and without real openings. Overall the piece lacked in development, it never took me on a trip. The third movement was an exception though. It was fragile and open in it's texture. It allowed the soloist and the orchestra to start to communicate. 
Overall it's not a bad piece, but I would suggest that Schnelzer brought it back to the composition table. Maybe delete the two first movements and write one new movement instead. Keep the third movement and rework the finale. 
Conrad Tao was a big part in my impression of the third movement. His sensibility and ability to let the music be vulnerable is breathtaking. I have said it before and I say it again - he makes music relevant.

The concert started with a suit from the ballet Bergakungen by Hugo Alfvén. He shows his top level orchestration skills, but the music itself is actually quite boring. It might work in a real ballet situation, but it doesn't really defend its place as a stand alone piece. 
It was a nice opportunity to enjoy all the great musicians of the orchestra though.

Sibelius first symphony is normally not considered as one of his "great" symphonies. But the conductor of the evening didn't let that affect his interpretation. Instead we got a full-blooded intense and dramatic reading that put it where it belong in the row of the seven great symphonies. He had a clear idea, and the orchestra responded. At the end of the final movement I almost forgot to breathe, that is normally a very good sign. 

All in all - not an ideal programming. 
And - bring Conrad Tao back! Maybe as a composer?
Before he played a beautiful "Soir" by Fauré he talked with the audience about the climate challenge and our shared responsibility. It was urging words from a younger generation to all of us.  And he made the concert hall even more of a place integrated with life, not a place where you escape. 
Thank you, Conrad!