This final concert for 2014 in the Musica Viva International Concert Season is a stunning finale indeed. Ray Chen’s multi-layered violin virtuosity and absorption in every moment of the music is balanced by finely nuanced support from pianist Timothy Young.
Ray Chen’s interpretations communicate both moments of bravura and lyricism in a programme of works chosen from over two centuries of composition for his instrument. This display showcases the violin as a solo or chamber music instrument with highly contrasting works from four distinct eras of music history.
Timothy Young is at the piano for three of these works. He masterfully weaves well-blended keyboard parts around the violin textures. Young’s dialogue with Chen introduces knife-edge changes in atmosphere, comfortable shifts in accompaniment style and elevated expression in solo moments.
The concert concludes with a bracket of Sarasate pieces, including a thrilling Zigeunerweisen, Op 20. Every chance to match the extreme technical demands of these works with lyricism is exploited by the pair. A complete and completely impressive segue from Bach to Spanish and gypsy feel is achieved in the concert’s second half.
Ray Chen delights in his solo Bach, the Partita No 3 in E major, BWV 1006. The polyphonies in the Preludio show phenomenal preservation of line. The six following dance movements are finely characterised with great handling of the demanding articulation. Chen’s playing of the 1715 ‘Joachim’ Stradivarius sings clearly throughout with pleasing contrasts in dynamics. The instrument also brings considerable depth of tone and low register warmth to the suite.
The same instrument in Chen’s hands tackles the mammoth Prokofiev Violin Sonata No.2 in D major with considerable strength and clear modern caricature. This work and its twentieth – century composer are excellently promoted by Chen and Young. The changes in mood, interesting timbral effects and sections of huge playing make this an exciting end to the concert’s first half.
Another highlight of programming as well as a performance success is the opening of the concert with Mozart’s Violin Sonata no 22 in A major, K305. This elegant morsel of Classicism tempts and quickly satisfies the crowd. Plenty of ‘air’ and tasteful freedoms are let into the interpretation and as the structure is outlined. The variations are exquisite, with commanding solo work from Young.
Ray Chen and Timothy Young are exemplary ambassadors for modern music making. Through sincere and focussed playing they are committed to blending virtuosic fireworks with calmer moments of beautiful sound.
The chance to augment your online, radio, recording or video experience of them with a recital experience should not be missed. The current programme with its tender-powerhouse playing will continue to bring audiences to their feet for the remainder of this Musica Viva tour. The final Sydney concert in 2014 for Musica Viva is on Saturday November 15 at 2pm at the City Recital Hall.
For more about Ray Chen with Timothy Young, visit http://musicaviva.com.au