Van Zweden returns to Amsterdam with the Paris-based orchestra known for its refined timbre and adventurous repertoire. This immediately creates an exciting contrast: the tight precision of the maestro and the warm, French lyricism of his musicians. The Concertgebouw itself - with its world-renowned acoustics - provides the perfect third player in this encounter.
The program opens with Ravels Le tombeau de Couperin, a work that sounds like an ode to elegance and nimbleness, but at the same time carries a great deal of emotion underneath. The fine lines and sparkling colors of the score are undoubtedly highlighted by Van Zweden with his characteristic clarity. Here you immediately feel how subtle French music can be.
This is followed by Prokofiev's Second Piano Concerto, performed by the young virtuoso Alexander Malofeev. His name buzzes through the international music world: a pianist with phenomenal technique and an intense sense of drama. The piece itself is notorious for its raging cadences and layered emotions - from lyrical to relentless. It is music that takes you on a roller coaster and leaves you momentarily breathless.
After intermission, Prokofiev is again given the lead role, this time with the Romeo and Juliet suites. These are melodies that you may already know, but which take on an unprecedented depth in the auditorium. Love, struggle, tragedy - everything is translated into sounds that contrast sharply and yet together tell a story that touches every listener.
"Prokofiev makes your heart beat faster, Ravel makes you smile - and Jaap van Zweden makes it all come together perfectly."
What makes this evening special is the balance between the programmatic power of Prokofiev and the sophistication of Ravel. Van Zweden is known for his ability to bring orchestras to utmost concentration and intensity. That, combined with the passion of the Paris orchestra and the young energy of Malofeev, makes this concert one of the gems of the fall program at the Concertgebouw.
Those who attend not only experience an evening of classical music, but also a rare interplay of tradition, virtuosity and emotion. Exactly the moments you go to the Concertgebouw for: music that will keep singing in your head for days to come.