The Utah Symphony marketers gave Debussy's tone poem "La Mer" top billing at this weekend's concerts, but don't be deceived. The real draw is guest violinist Augustin Hadelich's commanding performance of Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 2.
The Bartók is a challenging piece for the soloist and orchestra to play, and it makes the listener work harder than, say, the Tchaikovsky or Beethoven concertos do. But Hadelich is a committed interpreter who clearly loves the piece.
The concerto's outer movements gave the violinist ample opportunity to showcase his formidable technique, including a jaw-dropping display in the first movement's cadenza. It was fascinating to hear him pivot expertly from one tone color to the next. The orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Julian Kuerti, provided a rich backdrop. In between came the slow movement, in which Hadelich's rich, smooth tone and songlike phrasing brought out the concerto's lyricism. Again, Kuerti and the orchestra provided a lavishly colored accompaniment, in which Louise Vickerman's harp playing and Vedrana Subotic's celesta were especially beguiling.
Hadelich encored with a spirited performance of Paganini's 24th Caprice for solo violin. Between this encore and the concerto, it seems safe to say the violinist showed the Abravanel Hall crowd everything the instrument is capable of.
The rest of the evening was all about color. Kuerti led an assured performance of "La Mer," highlighted by the second movement's sparkling musical depiction of light on the waves. The program opener was a spry reading of the overture from Mozart's "Abduction From the Seraglio," embellished with lots of charming percussion. In between came three Rachmaninoff miniatures — Respighi orchestrations of pieces originally written for piano. The highlight was a lively depiction of Red Riding Hood and the Wolf.
Catherine Reese Newton is a music critic. Contact her at creese@sltrib.com or 801-257-8616. Twitter: @cathycomma —
Utah Symphony
The guest violinist has a ball with Bartók's formidable concerto.
With • Conductor Julian Kuerti and violinist Augustin Hadelich.
Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City.
When • Reviewed Friday, Feb. 4; repeats Saturday, Feb. 5, at 8 p.m.
Running time • Two hours, including intermission.
Tickets • $20 to $55 at 801-355-ARTS, www.utahsymphony.org or the box office.
Vivace • Mingle with musicians and the Utah Symphony's social-networking group at Caffé Molise after the concert; admission to both is $35 (keyword Vivace).
