Classical review: Royal Scottish National Orchestra/Tomas Hanus - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

By Carla Whalen
Published on 15/11/2011 00:00

THE RSNO know how to rattle off the old favourites. They swept through an all-Mendelssohn first half with the ease of an old-timer and didn’t ruffle a feather in Dvorak’s Symphony No. 6.

The music ebbed and flowed to the maritime backdrop of the Hebrides Overture while a proud pack of double reeds and brass sat atop shimmering strings just as they should. Right on cue, the sound grew just a little for the Violin Concerto – the requisite foil to the dramatic solo line. The symphony whirled festively where the tunes demanded it while remaining quietly reverent as delicate solos were passed around. In short: all present and correct.

There was certainly nothing new or innovative in the orchestra’s performances under Czech conductor Tomas Hanus. The overall feeling was rather one of consummate professionalism, which is to say that all the effort and skill was there but without much in the way of excitement.

But then, it didn’t seem to matter much if the concerto accompaniment was a little unexciting since soloist Vadim Gluzman commanded the undivided attention of anyone within earshot. His piercing tone cut right into Mendelssohn’s melodies with the sound building to such a level of intensity in the slow second movement that the well-known tune was less lullaby and more impassioned aria.

Daunting technical demands appeared to present no barrier to Gluzman maintaining a hypnotically rich tone and an absolute dedication to passionate interpretation.

Rating: ***