★★★★ ½ Stephen Hough performs an outstanding piano concerto to conclude the TSO’s Beethoven Celebration.

Federation Concert Hall
August 28, 2015

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has this month thrown a Beethoven Celebration, teaming up with English pianist Stephen Hough to perform each of the composer’s five piano concertos. The series has paired each performance with works by Richard Strauss, and this concert opens with Strauss’s Serenade in E flat, Op. 7. It’s an immaculate showcase of the orchestra’s wind and horn sections, with the addition of a double bass and tuba. The group demonstrates skilful ensemble playing – tight with well-controlled intonation. Players sacrifice their independence as they refrain from distracting vibrato and displays of ego. Instead, they project subtlety and positivity in this opening to a charming evening.

But wait, there’s more. Strings, percussion, piano and harp join the group in Le bourgeois gentilhomme – yet another work by Strauss. This suite draws from Moliere’s comédie-ballet of the same name, and like much of Strauss’s lighter works is filled with sweet nothings. The Fencing Master is a comical dance, while Prelude to Act II (Intermezzo) feels as pleasant as a moment of lightly fluttering leaves...