Symphony orchestra programs often follow a time-tested format: a short opener, symphony and concerto.
So it was with Friday evening’s Colorado Symphony program in Boettcher Concert Hall. But along with convention came a little unconventionality in the repertoire selections for two of the slots.
The evening opened with the symphony’s first-ever performance of “Preludio sinfonico,” an infrequently heard student work by famed composer Giacomo Puccini.
For anyone familiar with his operatic masterworks, it was fascinating to hear this precursor. Although a bit saccharine and insubstantial at times, it was pleasing enough overall.
It has been 22 years since the orchestra last tackled Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements, which was completed in its present form in 1945 and influenced by the composer’s experiences during World War II.
This edgy, modernist work possesses a blunt, geometric feel, with extended, sometimes discordant harmonies, iterative passages that seem almost minimalist and unexpected instrumental combinations, such as pairing piano and trombone.
The piano is unusually prominent, with percussive and concerto-like roles, and Christopher Zemliauskas handled both adroitly. Also deserving note was principal harpist Courtney Hershey Bress, who brought a polished fluidity to her extended solo passages.
As usual, Scott O’Neilcq, the orchestra’s associate conductor, acquitted himself well in this challenging work with a precise, hard-edged and suitably assertive interpretation.
For most attendees, the main attraction was probably Ludwig van Beethoven’s ever-popular Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73, “Emperor,” featuring Barry Douglas, gold medal winner at the 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition. The Irish pianist offered articulate, straightforward playing, with ample punch when needed. He brought a distinctively measured take to the second movement, with a slower tempo than some versions.
After a loud standing ovation, he rewarded the audience with a stunning, nuanced version of Johannes Brahms’ Intermezzo in E major as an encore.
The concert will be repeated at 7:30 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
