BBC Proms 2011 - Prom 57 - 27/08/2011
Programme
Ander Hillborg - Cold Heat (UK Premiere)
Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 27 in B flat major, K595
Beethoven - Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, 'Eroica'
Anders Hillborg's energetic and vast Cold Heat received it's UK premiere and opened last nights proms, a work that when commissioned was requested to contain 'NO slow music whatsoever.' Hillborg delivers this to an extent, the fast paced, sometimes frantic textures and rhythms conjure up all kinds of images. The woodwind have a conversation tone, one which combined with the opening of the piece suggest the flight of geese or similar migrating animals.
The Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich launch us in Mozart's last piano work, the Piano Concerto No. 27. The resplendent opening is quickly taken up by the piano which then plays a semi cat and mouse game with the orchestra. Maria João Pires gives a charming performance, the music speaking for itself and seeming very intimate and intense even in the packed hall. The piano development is very lyrical, particularly in the second movement, before the final movement where we hear more of a younger Mozart and the playful nature of his earlier works.
From one audience favourite to another, Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, 'Eroica', in a very lively performance. David Zinman expertly guides us through this vast work, it's movements taking us from the vibrancy of life to death to ascension to the divine. The Tonhalle Orchestra are marvellous and energetic throughout, the final movement a wonderful culmination of the rest of the piece.
The encore of the finale of Beethoven's Creatures of Prometheus was a nice treat, tying together this symphony with its influences.