Second Opinions by Adrian Tan Augustine Dumay is an artist of extraordinary calibre. Drawing from his violin an exquisite sound that complemented the ease and fluency with which he played. His interpretation of the Concerto was carefully conceived, telling of a musician of intelligence and fine musicianship. I found Dumay's reading appropriately less emotional in stylistic consideration, but very intelligent in that the placing of every note seems well thought out, considering even the accompaniment in his interpretation. The result was a delightful account of what this reviewer thinks is the way to go as far as Mozart's youthful attempts at violin concertos go.
Simple charm is so much more difficult than passion and pathos sometimes.
The SSO's reading of the Bruckner 9th, though far from technically perfect, was committed and richly satisfying. There were moments of Brucknerian exhaltation and beauty that left an indelible impression. Though I usually enjoy hearing him speak before pieces, what he said tonight shed little light on his interpretation of his music, or the symphony itself. The conclusion of the 3rd movement was deeply moving, and for me left much to reflect on. I thought this was incredibly insensitive.