Friends and Colleagues

I never cease to be amazed at how the Columbus Symphony manages to produce crisp programs with players from around the state and very little practice together. This is a tribute to Del Gobbo of course, but playing together well isn't just a result of good direction. It's discipline, talent, and dedication.

Admittedly, the Symphony was a little rocky in their last performance but they put all that behind them last night in a superbly sharp program with pianist Paavali Jumppanen. Mr. Jumppanen's resume reads like an elder statesman but his debut was in 2001 and he's already played all around the world to rave reviews. His program was Brahms' Piano Concerto No 2 in B-flat Major Op 83. This is no lullaby. The program notes called it "gentle in mood" and suggests that all except the second movement provoke "calm dignity". That may well be in the hands of another pianist but Mr. Jumppanen attacked the Steinway with a passion that invoked anything but gentleness or calmness. In fact, his right foot hit the sustaining pedal with such force as to shake the piano and add a Irish dance sound to the score. At times his foot was raised as much as 6 inches over the pedal before hitting it full force and one patron described all the movement as like an organist.

This is not intended to be a criticism, but rather illustrates how he interpreted the piece. Mr. Jumppanen's touch was gentle where it needed to be and the piano responded to him with a clear and passionate reading.

Once again, the horns were the backbone of the Orchestra, both in the opening piece and in the Schumann piece that closed the night. However, in the third movement of the Brahms, the Cellos came forward and delivered a counterpoint to both the horns and the piano that showed how strong they've become under Andre Gaskins. There's also two solo cello parts in this movement that gave Andre Gaskins an opportunity to show his extraordinary talent.

Unfortunately, the hall was not much more than half full. This Symphony is delivering a first class product but it continues to need an audience.