The 'Northern Lights' or aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, a geomagnetic light display, that everyone would like to have seen at least once. The splendour leaves everyone speechless and moved. Music has the same enchantment and intensity. This is once again a carefully constructed and topically relevant programme by Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen. A beautifully assembled orchestra with a balance between male and female instrumentalists. Kristiina Poska, chief conductor of Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen since 2019, leads the whole with charisma.
'Different from habit' Frank Nuyts (1957)
This concert opens with a work by a local composer. The Ghent composer Frank Nuyts is in the prime of his life and turned 65. Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen could not let that pass unnoticed. Frank Nuyts is an innovator as the late Karel Goeyvaerts was. He likes to compose challenging music. He is one of the most important representatives of postmodernism in Flanders. Yet he also wrote compositions for classical instrumentation. Questioning himself, that is what Nuyts does in the fine orchestral work 'Different from habit'. This work was created in 2004 on commission from Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen. This piece is full of surprises with a serious part for xylophone. It voices the rat race of existence, racing through life at a hectic pace, with melodious intermezzos.
'Concerto for Violin, opus 47' Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
The Finnish composer and violinist Jean Sibelius became a national hero in Finland, which was oppressed by Russia. The flourishing of his career ran parallel to increasing political pressure from Russia. We are now well over a hundred years further and 'l'histoire se répète' in Ukraine!
A composition is often a work of long duration. A perfectionist like Sibelius is not easily satisfied. He started the work in 1903. It was first performed in 1904, but no one was excited about it, including Sibelius himself. In 1905 he began a thorough revision. In October 1905 the first performance took place. A few adjustments were still made. A second version enjoyed a triumphant tour through concert halls.
This Concerto for Violin is a prestige piece for every violin virtuoso. At deSingel, not just anyone takes the stage. This beautiful composition, which conjures up images of pristine, wild Finnish nature, demands a sensitive soloist, who was found in the person of top talent Alina Pogostkina. The originally Russian soloist appears in a beautiful, flowing, asymmetrical taupe long dress. She has the appearance of a Greek goddess.
In 2005 the violinist won the prestigious international Sibelius competition with this work. Since then, with each performance, she has deepened the intensity of the work. The violin rests on her bare shoulder. The vibrations of her instrument resonate through her entire body, which sways to the music.
The Concerto begins with softly caressing violin sounds. The structure is ingenious and fascinating, full of enchanting melodies. What is so skillful about this composition is that the violinist can excel while Sibelius equally provides the orchestra members with important material. The first theme in the solo violin is echoed by the clarinet. The woodwinds and timpani then accompany the violin in a long virtuosic passage. When the soloist is allowed to pause occasionally, the orchestra gets the chance to display its full harmonic and dynamic richness.
In the final section 'allegro, ma non troppo' all restraint is released with its famous gypsy-like theme. The rondo section is a worthy conclusion to this rhapsodic and technically challenging Violin Concerto. Hearing and seeing someone play the instrument with such virtuosity is always a moving experience. Also worth mentioning: Alina Pogostkina developed the programme 'Mindful Music Making' in 2018, through which she tries to bring classical musicians closer to mindfulness and the development of individual creativity in the 21st century and offer them support mentally, physically and emotionally.
'Symphony No. 4, opus 29 – The Inextinguishable' Carl Nielsen
The Danish composer Carl Nielsen wrote this symphony against the background of the First World War and is among the most dramatic he wrote, featuring a struggle between two sets of timpani. Nielsen explained: "Music is life. As soon as even a single note sounds in the air or space, it is the result of life and movement, therefore music and (dance) are the most direct expressions of the will to live." He tried to capture in music the inextinguishable life force that flows through creation.
The composition is an emotional stream of meekness versus anger. The stylistic fluctuations are conveyed through dynamics, instrumentation, tempo and tonality. A whole challenge for the conductor. Her rhythmic pulse keeps the music continuously animated. 'The Inextinguishable' is a dynamic score that brings out the full power of the symphony orchestra. This tempestuous work is an affirmation of life and the future.
In this turbulent global context, the concert offers a warm blanket and hope for improvement.
WHO: Alina Pogostkina [violin], Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen conducted by Kristiina Poska WHAT: NORTHERN LIGHTS WHERE: deSingel WHEN: Sunday 19 Nov. 3 PM