BY CELINE CHONG
Nelson Freire
2018 International Piano Masterwork Series
Medici Concerts
Conservatorium Theatre, South Bank, 5 March
What’d you miss?
- A completely new sense of refinement in a familiar Mozart work
- Composure and interpretive insight
- An unconventional (but refreshing) performance
Nelson Freire is one of the greats of today’s classical piano scene. Making a return to Brisbane with Medici Concerts, his program for the evening showcased his interpretive mastery – from Mozart to Debussy, Chopin, and Schumann before taking us to Spain with Albèniz.
Freire’s variety of touch and sound was something of a marvel. In his hands, Albèniz’ Iberia: Evocacion Navarra had richness and depth; and Debussy’ Golliwog’s Cakewalk was particularly sprightly and animated. Chopin’s Impromptu No. 2 and Ballade No. 3 both conveyed a sense of delicacy and intent.
However, it was the first half of the program – Mozart’s Sonata in A major K331 and the Schumann Fantasie in C major – that really stood out.
Mozart’s K331 is one of the composer’s best-known sonatas. The Rondo alla Turca movement is itself a staple among developing young pianists, and Freire brought a completely new sense of refinement and character to the piece. His performance could be considered unconventional, but it was exactly that which made it so refreshing.
But the powerhouse of his program was, without a doubt, the Schumann Fantasie in C major. With the work spanning half an hour, it is technically challenging, to say the least. Despite the dense, complicated textures throughout the Fantasie, Freire performed it with incredible clarity of parts and layers. Even within one hand, the definition of sounds was astounding. The melody sung high above the harmonies, which in themselves had multiple layers and personalities.
Overall, it was Freire’s composure and interpretive insight that tied the entire recital together. And his vast experience with the piano and its repertoire shone through. Brisbane was certainly lucky to have him, and we can only look forward to Medici’s upcoming concerts with Piers Lane, Jayson Gillham and Benjamin Grosvenor coming to town throughout the year!
Image supplied.
