Prague Symphony Orchestra @ Perth Concert Hall

May 29 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ON Sunday the Prague Symphony Orchestra under conductor Petr Altrichter made a triumphant visit to this year’s Perth Festival of the Arts with their concert in Perth Concert Hall.

The orchestra had a very full string section, which give a richness to their tone, characterful wind and brass, which even when let rip was not too overpowering. The hall itself was full as it was a sold out performance. Under the firm guidance of Petr Altrichter it was as though the works had been cleared of all lazy tradition and emerged fresh and vital.

They began with Smetana’s Vltava: the winds started with a dancing lilt before the strings played the great rolling tune. The Polka section was given a delightful swing before the refined delicacy of the Water Sprites. The stormy climax of the St John’s Rapids impressed, followed by a return to the rolling tune and the sight of Vysehrad Castle majestic on the brass.

Freddy Kempf joined the orchestra for a lively performance of Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto. It was a clear and distinctive interpretation: Beethoven as the new, young lion.

The cadenza was short and exciting and tried to pack in everything. The Largo was kept moving and Freddy Kempf showed a nice sense of fantasy in his duets with the orchestra’s clarinet. Beethoven’s sense of fun and comedy came out in the vigorous final movement. In response to the equally vigorous applause of the packed audience Freddy Kempf gave the slow movement of Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata as an encore.

Dvorak’s Symphony No.9 “From the New World” ended the programme. This was again a superb performance. The only thing wrong was that there was no first movement repeat, so well played it would have been nice to hear it again! Lines were beautifully clear with a reading of strength leading to a driving climax and a dramatic coda. The cor anglais solo of the slow movement was beautifully played in a manner more bucolic than the sometimes overdone soulful manner.

Trenchant strings led the rhythmically intense Scherzo, relaxing with fine woodwinds. Forceful reading of the Finale kept up the impetus. A vibrant and colourful reading of Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance Op.72 No.7 ended the concert as an encore.

Ian Stuart-Hunter