Start of the Season: An Unforgettable Concert
On October 1, the Palau de la Música opened its doors to the new season of the Franz Schubert Philharmonic, presenting a concert that captivated the public with two outstanding pieces: the monumental Symphony no. 5 by Gustav Mahler and Suite Terra Baixa by Albert Guinovart.
Albert Guinovart: A Reflection of Catalan Theatre
Composer Albert Guinovart, known for his evocative soundtracks on TV3, presented a suite inspired by Terra Baixa, a classic of Catalan theatre. His music, with a marked pictorial character, transported the attendees to a rural atmosphere, evoking memories of series such as Nissaga de poder.
Tomàs Grau: A Director With Vision
Under the direction of Tomàs Grau, the interpretation acquired a unique personality. His ability to define and shape each section of the orchestra was evident from the outset, with meticulous attention to detail allowing each instrument to shine both individually and as a whole.
A Musical Challenge: Mahler’s Symphony
The Symphony no. 5 by Mahler, renowned for its complexity, was the highlight of the concert. Performing it live is always a challenge, not only because of its technical difficulty, but also because of the expectations it generates among music lovers.
The Articulation of the Orchestral Sections
With an orchestra of ninety musicians, the coordination was exceptional. The clarity in the intelligibility of the string and wind sections was remarkable, with an articulation that stood out for its transparency.
The Metal: An Impeccable Execution
The metal stood out with impeccable performance, maintaining a high standard of quality throughout the piece. The horns, trumpets and tuba provided a robust and well-balanced sound that enriched the musical experience.
Lyrism and Delicacy in Interpretation
The woodwind, with special emphasis on the clarinet, brought a lyrical tonality that connected with the audience. The transitions between instruments were smooth, creating a captivating atmosphere, while the strings, despite having a slightly lower volume than usual in Mahler performances, shone with their delicacy.
Clau Moments: The Adagietto
The Adagietto, one of the symphony’s most emblematic movements, was performed with exceptional dynamics that brought an air of depth and reflection to the piece. Although some passages seemed to lack wider string support, the performance was, as a whole, a demonstration of musicality and expressiveness.
Final Reflections and Future Perspectives
Although the performance was excellent, some felt it lacked that ‘velvet layer’ that elevates the musical experience to new heights. This quality is likely to develop with more experience in performing Mahler, so we encourage the Franz Schubert Philharmonic to continue to explore this repertoire, overcoming the logistical challenges it poses.
