Flashback to celebrations in the Concertgebouw earlier this season as pianist Vikingur Ólafsson, the Philharmonia’s new featured artist joined the stage with Santtu-Matias Rouvali for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto. No. 3. Fans who just wanted to see the tall, Icelandic piano sensation in the flesh were not disappointed.
The programme
Olafsson’s Beethoven
“Vikingur Ólafsson’s rich effortless sound in Beethoven’s expressive Third Piano Concerto continued the party atmosphere. For a performer who revels in the spontaneity of performance, this new partnership seems to offer the freedom he craves as he caressed the keys, almost willing them into action. The Concertgebouw Steinway hummed, but more importantly, so did Beethoven’s music, oozing sensuality and vibrancy. Wonderful long lines, contrasting moments of darkness as the cadenza burst forth, and intensely delicate moments of magic quite rightly prompted applause at the end of the first movement.”
The encore
To finish, Ólafsson’s own transcription of his compatriot Sigvaldi Kaldalóns’ Ave Maria, gave a glimpse of the master in his happy place – just one man and his piano.
Click on the link below to read more from my review for Platea magazine
Read more from Clare
Follow Clare Varney on Facebook or Instagram to read more about Music and Culture
