Robertson and Geller impressive in Rachmaninov and Bartok

Sergei Rachmaninov was one of the most gifted and versatile composers of his generation. His music spanned a wide range of genres and forms, from piano pieces and songs to operas and orchestral works. His mastery of melody, harmony, and structure allowed him to create works that appealed to both the public and critics.  But one night changed everything. His First Symphony, a daring and innovative work, was met with scorn at its premiere. 

Rachmaninov had poured months of labor and love into this piece, and was left devastated and broken by the harsh judgment of his peers and mentors. His once-brilliant creative spark was smothered by a deep abyss of depression and self-doubt, which held him captive for three long years. Although he eventually recovered, the symphony almost vanished into obscurity, forever haunting the memory of its brilliant yet troubled composer.

Under David Robertson’s leadership, the Seattle Symphony delivered a striking performance of Rachmaninov’s First Symphony. Robertson’s reputation as a specialist in contemporary music made this piece an intriguing choice, but the remainder of the program — Ligeti’s Concert Românesc and Bartok’s Second Violin Concerto — revealed surprising similarities among these works. Each piece draws heavily from traditional folk music.  Concert Românesc is a playful twelve-minute exploration of springy, Romanian tunes and Bartok opens his concerto with a wistful melody.  Even Rachmaninov’s work incorporates elements of Russian plainchant, further emphasizing the theme of folk influence throughout the program.

What really drew the works together for me is the deft way each composer uses these native motives to develop their music.  Approachable modernism is the resulting effect.  Rachmaninov’s contemporaries might have been puzzled by his First Symphony, but by linking each movement with recurring themes, Rachmaninov provides helpful sign posts to help guide the listener through the work’s many contrasting musical elements.  Românesc does this too.  As each new tune weaves together it softens Ligeti’s modern idiom for the listener.  

The performance brimmed with an effortless pulse.  Forward momentum was the name of the game from start to finish.  Jaunty during the Ligeti, ominous for the Rachmaninov — even when the symphony ground to a crawl in the coda.  Robertson also deftly accentuated each work’s moods.  Brilliant contributions from all sections of the orchestra brought out the leaping joy in Ligeti’s work, while the dark-hued, thick sound produced by the strings — especially the low strings — added to the ruggedness of the First Symphony.  

Robertson and Seattle Symphony Concertmaster Noah Geller joined forces to deliver an unforgettable performance of Bartok’s Second Violin Concerto. Despite his responsibilities with the orchestra, Geller has emerged as a top-notch soloist in recent times, and his performance of Bartok’s piece was a true testament to his skill. Geller’s opening statement was nothing short of haunting, instantly captivating the audience’s attention. As the piece progressed into more intricate and demanding sections, Geller’s attack became sharper, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already dynamic composition. The emotionally charged second movement was a particular highlight, with Geller’s every variation lingering in the air, leaving the audience spellbound.

David Robertson has been a regular guest with the Seattle Symphony for more than two decades.  I can’t remember a bad concert he has conducted.  In 2009, he led the orchestra in a memorable Seattle premiere of Thomas Ades’ Violin Concerto.  During the pandemic, he conducted Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony.  Last year, he returned for an evocative concert of Ives and Schumann.  Every single performance is an event unto itself.  Robertson has proven himself time and time again to be an invaluable asset to the Seattle music scene.  He brings the imagination, skill and wisdom that are all sorely missing in the Emerald City at the moment.  And I hope someone, somewhere in the administrative bowels of Benaroya Hall is scheming to bring Robertson to the city for a longer artistic commitment.