Friday, September 26, 2025
Dvořák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague
The opening of the Czech Philharmonic’s 25-26 Season (its 130th), with this programme previously played the evening before, both therefore conspicuously lacking a shortish starter (overtures are too easily neglected these days and there are many that are splendid, whether concert or operatic) leaving Ravel to whip-crack the concert into action, cueing Seong-Jin Cho, a consummate Ravelian (as recorded on DG), in wonderful form – technically immaculate, playing with refinement, clarity, a dry wit, a jazzy spirit, a sensitive touch and a shapely phrase, with a vivid and complementary accompaniment. Ravel for an encore, too, the middle movement of the Sonatine – delicate, poised, transporting. Next week, Cho re-joins the on-tour LSO and Antonio Pappano for concerts in Poland, Hungary and Germany; Concertos by Chopin and Prokofiev.
Following the interval, Bychkov led a wholesome reading of Tchaikovsky Five, powerful in its passion, rewarding in its detail, subtly pliant in tempo and dynamics, the strings warm, attractively mellow in the lower registers, the woodwinds characterful, with brass and timpani not shy while avoiding bombast or crudity. Bychkov, immersed in the music, exposed its heart and soul to involving effect without exaggeration if largesse, symphonically respected. The second-movement Andante cantabile featured a superb horn solo – which I think was from Kateřina Javůrková* – while the third enjoyed a delightful lilt, and the Finale weaved its way to inevitable triumph. Throughout, the Czech Philharmonic responded in the most caring/sharing way, the ultimate coda of this finesse-to-fortissimo performance thrilling and uplifting. Decca has issued a box of Czech Phil/Bychkov Tchaikovsky.
*Confirmed by the orchestra