Le chasseur maudit - Franck
Variations Symphonique - Franck
Symphony No 8 - Glazunov
The orchestral music of Franck and Glazunov needs persuasive performance. Last night's concert at the NCH persuaded because it did not impose apologetic profundity, but treated things as they must have seemed in their day - as direct expression.
The one exception was Franck's Variations Symphonique for piano and orchestra. Pianist Maria Tanzini's light, non-heroic view of the pianist's role is valid for this piece; but she did her own thing to an extent which made good ensemble almost impossible.
After a beautifully paced performance of Franck's symphonic poem Le chasseur maudit, which sympathetically avoided the many temptations for a cheap shot, this came as a disappointment.
Not for the first time, Anissimov and the NSO ended a concert with a strong account of unfamiliar Russian music. Glazunov's Symphony No. 8 did not feel as long as the 50 minutes it took, partly because of Anissimov's ability to make character unfold and change in a goal-directed way.
Every event mattered, and the NSO's response was sensitive and well-balanced. This music, which was well-received in the years after its premiere in 1906, could easily come across as a period piece. On this occasion it was vivid and immediate.