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Feb 02, 2006
Idar Karevold, Aftenposten, “Endless musical joy”
“Oslo Concert Hall last night Ludwig van Beethovens 9th symphony with Friedrich Schiller’s “An die Freude” in powerful union. An interpretation which will long echo in the memories of those who heard it…. There are inimitable highlights in a concert hall. Last night in the Oslo Concert Hall was such an experience. Beethoven’s 9th symphony will long echo in the mind after Fabio Luisi’s reading of the work…. Of course he stretched resources, and further than what one would normally hear, but never too far. There lay the challenges for those on stage. He commanded, in addition, an authority which few can claim. Balanced, precise and with tempo choices which underlined meaningful points that shone in endless wonder. This is how it is when the great works find a form that captivates, enthralls and demands listening and reflection.
This symphony is full of traditions that can constrict more than they liberate. But that was not the case last night. Already in the opening motive lay an aural imperative. It worked, and from that point it was just a matter of following a fantastic progression where small and large building blocks, ideas which were presented in pieces before ending up in massive configurations, were unfolded in all their richness. There were no dead points, just an eternity of life, power and compulsive uplift.
Then it drew to an end in the final section. Rarely has the main hall of the Concert Hall been so intimate. There was a fullness of sound where the overtones seemed to melt together in tight rows within constructions that were not made to produce such cascades of colour. The Oslo Philharmonic Choir sang beautifully and was finely balanced with the orchestra. The diction was rhythmically active and communicated the meaning of Friedrich Schiller’s poem to joy. The four soloists made a full-toned ensemble and the solo sections carried well out into the hall.
Fabio Luisi has long been on the orchestra’s wish list. He is Chief Conductor at the Vienna Symphony, where they are in a position to choose. He ought to come back at the first opportunity. As a musician he has a profile, but belongs to the great bearers of tradition. The ability to capture an orchestra and embrace all on stage as well as those in the hall is mastered only by the best. He is one of them. With infectious authority, precision and the capacity to shape and communicate.”
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