Since assuming the podium as TSO conductor, Gustavo Gimeno’s leadership of the TSO to its rightful place on the world stage has been self-evident. His commitment to twentieth century music on a grand scale and to showcasing Canadian talent is unquestionable.
Thursday night’s concert, the colossal Turangalila-Symphonie (10 movements, 4 themes, no break) was the piece de resistance. The Turangalila is a rare treat to perform and to experience.
Photo: Allan Cabral
Flanked by the star soloists, piano virtuoso superpower, Marc-André Hamelin on one side, facing off with ondes Martenot expert Nathalie Forget, Maestro Gimeno explained the Sanskrit title-creation, time and joy which give context to the work. It is aptly described as “epic”, for many reasons. The sheer number of performers on stage requires colossal resources. The conductor bears a heavy onus (with little guidance from the composer) to depict and to balance the terror joy, functional and aesthetic sounds. Although characterized as a “symphony”, It calls for a virtuoso piano soloist and ondes Martenot (electronic keyboard). Pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin is well equipped to serve as the driving piano force. His majestic command of all ranges of the keyboard provided the platform for the full orchestra as he navigated flawlessly with fluidity and fluency.
Messiaen’s choice of instrumentation creates a unique tapestry of sound and texture that is both jarring and soothing. A synesthete, he associated pitches with colours, and selected from a wide range of both to emulate birdsongs. Examples of the unique instrumentation include a ”gamelan” ensemble -glockenspiel, celesta and vibraphone as well as additional percussion instruments: triangle, temple blocks, wood block, cymbals, Turkish cymbal, Chinese cymbal, tam-tam, tambourine, maracas, tubular bells, bass drum, slide, snare drum and Tambouran provencal. Maestro Gimeno served as principal percussionist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra – which, like the TSO has recorded the Turangalila. He also studied piano. This compilation of pertinent talents is well suited to bring out the best of the score, the performers and the audience.
Photo: Allan Cabral
Highlights of the evening were: performances by the jazzy trumpets, the various dialogues between strings, woodwinds and trumpets; the serene solo clarinet conversations with the ondes Martenot, the disturbing sounds of the percussion and the energetic chromatic motion of the piano. Some of the movements are open-ended while the combined buildup to the finale was nothing short of glorious.
Thunderous applause from a full house ensued, followed by multiple standing ovations which were so well deserved. Messiaen’s depiction of love co-existing with and conquering evil, is a true joy to experience. For those who cannot make the concert, take heart as the TSO is working with the Harmonia Mundi label towards releasing a recording next year.
