The Colorado Symphony paid tribute to one of classical music’s superstars Friday night, with a program entirely devoted to the timeless music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
To lead this offering, the orchestra wisely invited back guest conductor Bernard Labadie, who left a memorable impression with his thrilling performances of the “Messiah” in December 2008.
For this concert, he jumped 40 years or so ahead in time and switched musical eras, but he was just as successful as before, imbuing this music with the necessary wit, charm and intelligence.
Since 1984, Labadie has served as music director of Quebec’s acclaimed period ensemble, Les Violins du Roy. He brought some of its historically informed practices to this program, including more nuanced vibrato and a lighter, more transparent sound.
In addition, the maestro altered the orchestra’s usual configuration. He placed the first and second violin sections on either side of the podium and shifted over the violas and cellos, giving the sound a more stereo – phonic, balanced quality.
Other trademarks of Labadie’s approach to Mozart included sprightly tempos, rhythmic vitality and buoyant phrasing, all of which could be heard to advantage in the evening’s final selection, Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550.
Each movement had its own appeal, such as the first with its forward impetus and adroitly highlighted inner contrasts, and the slow second section, which Labadie allowed to breathe and flow in a natural, unforced way.
Benedetto Lupo made his oddly belated Colorado Symphony debut 21 years after he won the bronze medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He brought an elegant, impeccably crafted interpretation to the Piano Concerto No. 18 in B flat major, K. 456, sensitively capturing the sense of mystery in the ruminative slow movement.
The orchestra began each half with lively excerpts from a Mozart opera: Chaconne from “Idomeneo,” K. 366, and Overture to “La clemenza di Tito,” K. 621.
The concert will be repeated at 7:30 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. In addition, the orchestra will take the program to the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek for a performance at 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Kyle MacMillan: 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com
