Barbieri, Cruz create stirring panoramas / Tenor Yang to sing

The Czech Republic, represented by Ambassador Jaroslav Ludva, celebrated its presidency of the European Union with a concert at the CCP consisting of music by European composers: the Czech Dvorak, Symphony No. 9 in E Minor (the “New World”); Sibelius, Finlandia; Elgar, Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, with Ruggero Barbieri conducting the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in these, and Liszt, Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Major, with pianist Jiovanney Emmanuel Cruz as soloist.

Although distinct from each other, the works created dramatic, stirring panoramas.

There are two ways of regarding Finlandia: as a vigorous protest against the Russian manifesto suppressing freedom of speech and of the press — with the melodic parts being a plea for peace, picturesque description of the land and its people. Either way, Barbieri, in highly inspired command, drew thunderous blasts from the brasses which, complemented by the woodwinds seemed to denote icy, cold, wintry winds and frozen fjords and forests. The strings in quivering melodic pianissimos delineated beautiful landscapes in spring. All these foregoing sections were introduced by the percussions in forceful, pulsating accents.

Elgar’s six marches, each named Pomp and Circumstance, were composed to prove that they could be elevated to substantial music as much as Chopin did to polkas and mazurkas. Elgar did not achieve Chopin’s success. However, though Pomp and Circumstance may not be of the highest quality, it has magisterial passages, beautiful melodies and rhythmic drive that make March No. 1 — identified as the British second national anthem — worthy enough to accompany graduates walking to receive their diplomas with pride. Barbieri eloquently stressed the music’s salient points, the UP Concert Chorus singing the middle section vibrantly as it did to open the concert with Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, the European Union’s own anthem.

In Dvorak’s Symphony, the strings were exquisitely expressive in the adagio and largo, while quiveringly reflecting tension and agitation in the molto vivace, the tuttis reaching a zestful, thunderous finale in the allegro con fuoco.

The piece was the composer’s evocation of the New World as much as it was of his own native land. Robust and virile, the former is infused with touches of folk music and spirituals which induced nostalgia. Under Barbieri, the ensemble produced surging sounds in concluding the work.

Liszt’s Concerto proved Cruz, beyond doubt, in total command of his instrument. Liszt was known as the Paganini of the piano, having been greatly influenced by the violinist to introduce in his compositions every conceivable technical device and trick. A musicologist has described Liszt as “the most tremendous failure of the nineteenth century,” deeming his works shallow.

But some of them, like the Concert in E Flat Major, will always serve as a tremendous challenge to virtuosos like Cruz whose effortless, impeccable rendition was mind-blowing. Absolutely awesome and overwhelming. His dramatic pauses were arresting yet they never went against the formal rhythm of the Concerto which Barbieri strictly observed. Cruz’s feat placed him as a top virtuoso comparable to the best.

After the deafening applause, Cruz played the familiar Chopin Waltz — one among the waltzes in the ballet “Chopiniana” with his characteristically rousing brilliance.

Barbieri for his part offered vast, invigorating, exciting European vistas through his highly perceptive podium performance.

A reminder: tycoon turned-tenor George T. Yang, chairman of the Klassikal Music Foundation which extends financial assistance to talented young vocalists, will render operative arias and light classics in a concert titled “Yang Klassics, Timeless Classics” on Jan. 29 at the CCP main theater.

Performing with Yang will be celebrated international pianist Raul Sunico, leading soprano Rachelle Gerodias and popular singer Kuh Ledesma. Also participating are Krystal Ashley Yang and the KMF scholars, with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra assisting.