Robert Treviño returns to London Symphony Orchestra after nearly a decade, and it was worth the wait. The American conductor, known for his subtle yet powerful style, made a lasting impression on the audience with his well-programmed concert.
Treviño's podium presence may be understated, but his gestures exude authority and contain a coiled-spring muscularity that adds depth to his interpretations. This was evident in a sequence of programs that spanned 20th-century and 21st-century works, including the enigmatic Hymne by Olivier Messiaen.
Messiaen's 1932 piece is an immanent, mystical sound ritual that was skillfully grounded by Treviño. The London Symphony Orchestra's strings and woodwinds created a sonic landscape reminiscent of a cathedral, allowing the intricate structures of the work to shine through despite the turbulent emotions evoked.
The concert also featured Márton Illés's 2019 Vont-tér – a single, continuous movement that strips away traditional notions of virtuosity and lyricism. The piece was performed by Patricia Kopatchinskaja in collaboration with the chamber-sized London Symphony Orchestra. While it may not have provided any direct insights into the connection between Messiaen or Rachmaninoff, the work created a haunting textural dance using techniques such as shudders, creaks, and cracks.
Treviño's approach to Rachmaninoff's Symphony No 2 was notable for its balance of monumentality and pace. The piece was transformed into a cinematic experience, with melodies constantly in motion and an integrated web of themes that kept the music flowing smoothly from start to finish. Treviño skillfully navigated the work's complexities, never letting it become too heavy, but rather propelling it forward towards its triumphant finale.
Treviño's podium presence may be understated, but his gestures exude authority and contain a coiled-spring muscularity that adds depth to his interpretations. This was evident in a sequence of programs that spanned 20th-century and 21st-century works, including the enigmatic Hymne by Olivier Messiaen.
Messiaen's 1932 piece is an immanent, mystical sound ritual that was skillfully grounded by Treviño. The London Symphony Orchestra's strings and woodwinds created a sonic landscape reminiscent of a cathedral, allowing the intricate structures of the work to shine through despite the turbulent emotions evoked.
The concert also featured Márton Illés's 2019 Vont-tér – a single, continuous movement that strips away traditional notions of virtuosity and lyricism. The piece was performed by Patricia Kopatchinskaja in collaboration with the chamber-sized London Symphony Orchestra. While it may not have provided any direct insights into the connection between Messiaen or Rachmaninoff, the work created a haunting textural dance using techniques such as shudders, creaks, and cracks.
Treviño's approach to Rachmaninoff's Symphony No 2 was notable for its balance of monumentality and pace. The piece was transformed into a cinematic experience, with melodies constantly in motion and an integrated web of themes that kept the music flowing smoothly from start to finish. Treviño skillfully navigated the work's complexities, never letting it become too heavy, but rather propelling it forward towards its triumphant finale.