Beethoven’s Ninth electrifies in Utah Symphony performance

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be present at a Beethoven premiere? Friday's Utah Symphony performance of the composer's great Ninth Symphony gave a taste of what that Vienna audience might have experienced. Under Thierry Fischer's direction, the orchestra played with a rawness and power that belied the ultrafamiliarity the work has achieved in the ensuing 190 years.

Fischer is a stickler for Beethoven's original, brisk tempos. This was a matter of mild controversy among the Abravanel Hall faithful during the conductor's Beethoven symphony cycle three seasons ago, but it would be hard to deny that the results were far more invigorating than the often-uninspiring Beethoven presentations of the recent past. And Friday's performance was even more arresting. George Brown's electrifying timpani rolls and the fierce playing of the double-bass section propelled the music forward with a thrilling sense of urgency. There was even an airborne baton near the end of the second movement, bringing an added element of danger. The third movement may have been a little fast for modern ears, but smooth playing from the strings lent an air of serenity. The Utah Symphony Chorus, joined by four top-notch soloists, brought the work to a fiery conclusion.

The concert-opener, Henri Dutilleux's 1964 "5 Métaboles," proved an interesting prelude to the Beethoven. Its themes of transformation share a certain sensibility with the Ninth Symphony's first two movements in particular.

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Utah Symphony

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and Henri Dutilleux's "5 Métaboles."

With • Conductor Thierry Fischer, the Utah Symphony Chorus, soprano Celena Shafer, mezzo Cynthia Hanna, tenor Chad Shelton and bass-baritone Michael Dean

When • Reviewed Friday, Dec. 5; repeats Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m.

Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

Running time • About 2 hours, including intermission

Tickets • $23-$75; www.utahsymphony.org