The classical-music world is celebrating the 200th year since the birth of one of the most original, distinctive and beloved composers who ever lived: Frederic Chopin.
He ranked alongside Franz Liszt as one of the great pianists of the 19th century, and he devoted himself to compositions that incorporate the instrument, including his popular Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21.
The work was the centerpiece of the Colorado Symphony’s program Friday evening with Natasha Paremski. The Russian-born pianist made her debut with the orchestra in 2004 as a 17-year-old, and she has been a favorite with local audiences since.
Successful performances of Chopin’s music demand nuanced sonorities, supple phrasing and a sustained line. Put simply, a soloist must be more poet than show(wo)man.
Paremski delivered on all fronts, starting with her tender, agile touch in the opening movement, where in the midst of the orchestra she still managed to achieve an amazing sense of intimacy.
The work’s highlight is the slow second movement, where she turned inward even more, with delicate, spellbinding playing that reached its apex with a whispering solo at the upper reaches of the piano that was sadly marred by a baby who cried out at just that moment.
Paremski ended the piece with an energetic take on the third movement, fully embracing its mazurka-tinged flavor.
Peter Oundjian, music director of the Toronto Symphony, ranks among the most compelling of Denver’s regular guest conductors. He lit up the second half with a thrilling version of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” Symphonic Suite, Op. 35.
This propulsive performance captured the full sweep and scale of this work, which manages to be at once bold, alluring and exotic.
It puts the spotlight on the concertmaster, and Yumi Hwang-Williams has never sounded better, with seductive, gypsy-tinged playing. Also turning in strong solos were clarinetist Bil Jackson, bassoonist Chad Cognata and oboist Peter Cooper.
Opening the evening was the infrequently heard Overture to Alexander Borodin’s never-finished opera, “Prince Igor.”
The program will be repeated at 7:30 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Kyle MacMillan: 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com
