Performance: Beethovenfest

Auckland Town Hall

Review: Tara Werner

The Auckland Philharmonia are winding up a busy season by presenting an attractive selection of popular works for their Celebration Series, and this Beethovenfest concert last Friday night was no exception.

Just two works featured - the Violin Concerto in D major Op 61 and Symphony No 7, Op 92.

Two short introductions by the orchestra's music librarian, Robert Johnson, informatively placed both the concerto and symphony in their context.

As examples of Beethoven's approach to music they cannot be bettered, and the more they are listened to, the more they seem to reveal the extent of the composer's genius.

While the refined Viennese audience may have been puzzled by the violin concerto (it also received some particularly bad reviews after its premiere), this work continues to have a strong hold on all violinists.

Certainly Adele Anthony seemed to relish the opportunity to show off her technique as soloist. The start of the concerto seemed hesitant, but she grew into the music, ending the first movement with a tremendous cadenza that left no doubt about her ability.

The larghetto had a sensuousness throughout, with Anthony singing above the other instruments. In turn they provided an equal contribution, the bassoon in particular having some graceful melodies to itself.

The transition from second and third movements seemed a little awkward, but conductor Jonathan Grieves-Smith soon had everyone in order, and Anthony galloped away in virtuosic manner during the fast-paced rondo.

Beethoven was once described as being "fit for the madhouse" after his Seventh Symphony was aired. How wrong an opinion can be - and it was clear in this performance of the work that the sheer creativity of this "madman" continues to inspire musicians.

Beethoven's exuberance was clearly communicated through a spirited and affectionate interpretation by all concerned.