BY MICHAEL HAMMELMANN
Solitary Pathways
Melbourne Philharmonia Project
Melbourne Meat Market, 16 July
Performing in its second ever concert, the Melbourne Philharmonia Project set out to change the perceptions of classical music, with an extraordinary underground vibe and works chosen by the orchestral members. They aim to cast classical music in a new and unfounded light. Choosing to focus on renowned national composers, Sculthorpe, Elgar and Sibelius, this group of exceptional musicians were meticulous in their delivery of Sculthorpe’s Earth Cry, immaculate in Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, whilst also presenting Sibelius’ rarely performed First Symphony to huge applauds.
Sculthorpe’s music has been a focus of the MPP concerts, perhaps because of its belief that if the younger Australian generation is not willing to play the works of one of Australia’s most significant composers, neither will professional Australian orchestras. Often inclusive in Sculthorpe’s works is an idea of the Australian landscape, an element that MPP was able to capture magnificently in its performance of Earth Cry. The work started in enormous fashion, largely due to the brass, timpani and string sections’ vivacious playing, creating an ominous and mysterious beginning. This exciting energy was then handed over to the cellos, violas and violins, before the whole orchestra combined to make a melodious chorus of sound, which was further enhanced by the wonderful acoustics of the venue. A highlight within the work was the timpani and brass sections, which were a huge part in communicating the Australian landscape and all its intricacies to the audience.
Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, his last major work, was given a heartfelt and emotional performance from MPP, along with the skillful playing of cello soloist Jovan Pantelich. Opening with a short and stunning recitative from Pantelich, he remained completely entrenched within the music, enriching the famous main tune of the first movement with lyricism and musicality and giving each entry in the movement a different and refreshing perspective. The variety of tone and the sensitive accompaniment from MPP was also a marvel to watch, especially for such a newly formed group. Wasting no time to get into the second movement, Pantelich demonstrated technical precision in his cello playing, in what is undoubtedly a complicated movement for the soloist. A great sense of cohesion was achieved in both the second and third movements of the work, the orchestra matching Pantelich’s emotional intensity, assisted by responsive conducting. This made for a passionate last movement and overall performance, which never lost focus or energy throughout the entire piece.
After a 25 minute interval filled with some delightful jazz music, MPP played its major work of the evening: Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1. This piece is rarely performed, which is an absolute shame, especially after hearing it live. A blissful clarinet solo started the first movement of the symphony; an intriguing section of the work. The lyrical nature of this movement was created by an engaging brass section producing an immersive sound, intensified by the string section toward the end of the movement. A gallant and triumphant string section greeted the audience in the second part of the symphony. Explosions of sound burst from all sections of the orchestra, which showed a different dimension to the performance before it ended in a delicate manner. The string section had a significant bearing on this movement; it provided vast dynamic contrast to enhance the overall orchestral sound of this section of the symphony. MPP displayed a different side to its playing, with a fiery and passionate third movement sparked by the powerful brass and timpani sections. The energy from the latter carried through to the last movement to make a gripping and heroic finale. This is a truly underrated work by one of Finland’s greatest national composers.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining event, a distinctive take on how classical music can be performed. For only its second ever concert, the talented members of MPP already work extremely well together to produce orchestral gems in a unique underground vibe. This is certainly classical music on their terms!
Image supplied.
