Classical review: Prague Symphony Orchestra

Published on Monday 25 May 2009 18:59

PRAGUE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA *** PERTH CONCERT HALL

IF YOU were asked to come up with the two most obvious orchestral examples of emergent 19th-century Czech nationalism, the odds are you would plump for Smetana's Vltava and Dvorak's Symphony No 9 "From the New World".

The Prague Symphony Orchestra framed Sunday's Perth Festival programme with both of these, giving us – from their point of view – a truly patriotic package. The question is: did hearing these potboilers from players whose blood type matches the music have anything new to say?

There was certainly no lack of energy pouring from the robust leadership of Petr Altricher, a conductor Scotland has seen before at the helm of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. These performances focused heavily on tuneful surges and blazing climaxes, but they also left some of the detail a little ragged and raw.

Whether this was down to audible remnants of the old idiosyncratic East European wind and brass sound, which favours individualism against the typically homogenous Western blend, is up for discussion. But that could never convincingly explain some fragile horn playing, nor Altricher's licence to the brass to issue unsavoury blasts above the wholesome and sizeable string section.

When it came to supporting pianist Freddy Kempf in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 1, the story was quite different. Kempf's edgy and petulant interpretation – not always as secure as his notable reputation – kept everyone on the edge of their seats, the Prague players included. It also took some getting used to.