Performance of the world level

Cries “bravo!” and a storm of applause accompanying with a stamp after the performance were  dedicated to Terje Mikkelsen  and the Tchaikovsky Symphony orchestra that unlikely has ever occurred at any time in this hall, since this orchestra consisting of 107 musicians and the conductor under a steel control is able to appear.  
Ten double basses of this big orchestra are placed on the back raw and fill in not only the whole stage but the entire hall with a thick, clear and unique sounding. One can immediately notice when they start performing Ole Olssen’s Symphony poem, a composer from Hammerfest who in the beginning of the 20th century composed music that even nowadays sounds excellently in all European concert halls. Thus, Terje Mikkelsen manages to conduct in such a manner that the orchestra is capable to pass on all perceptibility and rush of the “Asgaardsreien”.

In the shade of Grieg

The most acute feelings are caused by Eyvind Alnæs’ symphony. Terje Mikkelsen has personally chosen this composition that last time was performed in Norway in 1900. The performance of this composition in Russia has caused a tremendous interest with the audience and the orchestra that made a recording of this composition on a CD.
After such an exciting performance one would like to put the question, why such an excellent composition has been ignored for so long time despite the fact that this composition was written in the genre of the late romanticism and presents a peculiar interest. One would like to specially point out the second part that was remembered by its long lines and gradually increasing dramatic effects and acuty. Among all brilliant solo turns performed there the string group was especially distinguished with its ornamentality. 

Dazzlingly

But the most dazzling and thrilling composition at the solemn concert was Tchaikovsky’s symphony. The fact that the orchestra bears the name of the noble composer imposes on it certain expectations and commitments. We were not disappointed and it should be noted that what was written about the orchestra of the world level in the theatre program corresponded to the reality. The Fourth symphony as well as other Tchaikovsky’s compositions is running in their blood.
Music is full of contrasts and dramatic elements, rush, humor and touches one’s heart. It came down on a listener as a strong and sonorous storm gust however simultaneously it is full of delicate nuances and impresses with a surprising accurateness of the string group and an originally homogeneous brass sounding of the wind instruments.

Terje Mikkelsen is a conductor enjoying a tremendous authority. He manages to cause rush and intensiveness, one will never feel tiresome at his performance. He usually conducts without the score. The famous sounding of Tchaikovsky’s string instruments wraps round as a warm and soft blanket. Such an interpretation is close to the Russian heart. The second part touches deeply, in any way, causes a gooseflesh on one’s skin. In the third part pizzicato is used that attaches the composition certain playfulness, and like carrousels leads us on drops of a musical landscape.
A special thrill of the symphony is its final part when the whole musical material of the first parts is compared with each other so powerfully, acutely and breathtaking that one can involuntary feel tiredness when last sounds of fanfares of the finale chords are fading. And it becomes clear why the hall immediately breaks into applause and cries “Bravo!”  
Glinka’ Overture to opera “Ruslan and Ludmila” in a furious pace but with a maximal precision was performed an encore. It’s fascinating! This was what one should strive for!