Gil Shaham's recent performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto with the San Francisco Symphony under conductor Juraj Valčuha highlighted his technical virtuosity and interpretive flair. While Shaham's approach showcased both breathless energy and animation, there were points where his interpretations diverged from the score, particularly in the first movement's broken octaves and accompanying passages. The second movement's bowing technique received praise for enhancing musical themes, while the finale showcased a playful homage to Brahms's friendship with violinist Joseph Joachim. Overall, the concert displayed both brilliance and interpretive challenges in Shaham's performance.
The two-minute rest for the soloist at the beginning of the Brahms Violin Concerto is no idle wait. Battle is imminent.
Shaham's inventive way of bowing this movement added luster to the burning chromatic tones of the filigreed theme.
In long accompanying passages, Shaham's portato seemed to correspond to neither the harmonies nor the textures of the score.
Such rakishness was more at home in the rondo finale, which Brahms embellished with Romani-style licks in homage to Joseph Joachim.
Collection
[
|
...
]