Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” is not exactly a rarity on orchestral programs, but it is certainly less frequently heard than many of his biggest hits.
Among the reasons? Most experts do not count it among his strongest works (not really much of a slight, considering the composer’s stature), and there’s the cost of three soloists versus the usual one.
After an absence of more than seven years from the Colorado Symphony’s lineup, the work, formally known as the Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C major, Op. 56, made a welcome return Saturday evening.
Among the three soloists, Beethoven gives the cello the lead, and Silver Ainomäe, who is in his second season as the orchestra’s principal cellist, made the most of it.
Denver is extremely fortunate to have this big talent, with his beautiful, burnished sound and agile technique. He was impressive throughout, but a particular high point was his supple, expressive solo at the beginning of the slow second movement.
More than holding her own with him was concertmaster YuMi Hwang-Williams. As she showed again Saturday, she has no problem switching gears from dependable leader of the orchestra to poised, in-control soloist.
The only outsider was guest pianist Alessio Bax, winner of a 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant. He did not make much of an impression, but at least some of that was probably due to the comparatively limited role for the piano in this work.
The “Triple Concerto” ended what was the culminating concert of the symphony’s three-weekend Beethoven Festival. On the podium was conductor laureate Marin Alsop, who was in good form.
After the Overture to “Egmont,” she brought a bright, up-tempo take to the Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93.
The program will be repeated at 2:30 p.m. today.
Kyle MacMillan: 303-954-1675 or kmacmillan@denverpost.com
