With leading pianist Ingrid S. Santamaria’s over 500 performances of romantic concertos virtually throughout the archipelago, and the eminent pianist Reynaldo Reyes playing the orchestral score, they have not only paid distinct tribute to romantic composers but also given tremendous service to would-be music lovers.
Recently at the Ayala Museum, Ingrid went through Grieg’s Concerto in A Minor and Rachmaninov’s Concerto in C Minor like a breeze, having rendered them so often. Both concertos are frequently heard, the first opening with thunderous chords repeatedly covering the entire length of the keyboard, the second opening with heavy, sonorous bass chords. The second movement of each concerto bears its romantic essence, in Grieg’s piece Ingrid conveying the beautiful melodic lines with flowing, liquid grace, while forcefully evoking magisterial chords midway and again near the end.
The propulsive, percussive chords and swift runs of the first movement (allegro moderato) and the third (allegro molto e marcato) were forceful, lively, spirited, complemented by the overwhelming fortissimos of the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the authoritative, keenly perceptive, dynamic Arturo Molina.
Rachmaninov’s Concerto is regarded one of his greatest works. If interpreted to perfection, it will exude rich tonal hues, emotional depth, exquisite romanticism, bravura, an all-embracing sweep so characteristic of the composer. All these were expressed by Santamaria with astonishing skill and sensitivity.
After the standing ovation, a Chopin Concerto (2nd movement) ensued as an encore. Far from the vast conception of Rachmaninov, the modest work had the typical, distinctive rubatos in Ingrid’s refined, restrained, polished, elegant manner. How exquisitely Chopinesque was the interpretation by pianist and conductor!