The Colorado Symphony has saved some of the best programs of the season for last.
Its concert Friday evening showcased Jean-Yves Thibaudet, not only one of France’s pre-eminent pianists but also one of the world’s top pianists of any stripe.
Having learned Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major as a child with a teacher who was friends with the composer, he has a unique bond with the 1930-31 work, and it showed in his spellbinding performance.
Thibaudet was fully in tune with the modern, idiomatic and even quirky flavor of this utterly original work, suavely handling the jazz-flavored riffs in the first movement and lighting up the kinetic, sometimes slapstick third movement.
The high point, though, might have been the slow second movement, in which Thibaudet gently and expressively embraced the music’s simple beauty. He was significantly aided here and throughout the work by the strong, supportive accompaniment of the orchestra and guest conductor James Gaffigan.
In 2000, Gaffigan was chosen to be part of the inaugural class of the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival. He has gone on to become one of its most distinguished alumni, being named associate director of the San Francisco Symphony in 2006.
Brimming with talent and infectious enthusiasm, he acquitted himself admirably all evening long.
It only seems logical that the orchestra is looking at him as a candidate to replace Jeffrey Kahane, who is stepping down as music director at the end of the 2009-10 season.
It would be a daring choice given his age, but there has been a definite movement toward youth in several recent high-profile conductor hirings across the country.
If nothing else, expect to see him back on the podium soon in another guest conducting engagement.
Gaffigan drew cheers in the second half with a version of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36, that was suffused with energy and vigor. He adroitly conveyed the music’s bold gestures without overselling the whole.
Opening the evening was a light, deft take on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” K. 525.
The concert will be repeated at 7:30 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Kyle MacMillan: 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com
