Bartók Concerto for Orchestra

May 2023
In an extraordinary display of musical prowess, Karina Canellakis takes the baton to lead the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra in an exhilarating recording of Bartók’s timeless masterpieces – the “Concerto for Orchestra” and the “Four Orchestral Pieces.” Released under the renowned PentaTone label, this collaboration marks Canellakis’s highly anticipated debut as the orchestra’s Chief Conductor, and it does not disappoint.

The “Four Orchestral Pieces” open the album with a daringly spacious “Preludio” that oozes sensuous allure. Canellakis’s deft touch conjures an atmosphere reminiscent of Ravel’s magic, captivating the listener from the first note. As the music progresses, the second movement’s Scherzo bursts into play with delightful sarcasm, showcasing the orchestra’s prowess and obvious enjoyment under Canellakis’s spirited direction. The ensuing Moderato delivers a gentler, more distilled beauty, leaving listeners entranced by the Netherlanders’ captivating interpretation. The set reaches its climactic conclusion with a powerful funeral march, brimming with weighty emotion and delivered with Pentatone’s characteristic wide and deep soundstage.

The pièce de résistance of the album is, undoubtedly, Bartók’s “Concerto for Orchestra,” a crowning jewel of his illustrious career. Bursting with folk melodies and colors, this monumental work unleashes the full potential of each instrument, and Canellakis expertly harnesses the orchestra’s talent to bring Bartók’s vision to life. The first movement’s low string soliloquy strikes a surprisingly plain-spoken chord, albeit with an undercurrent of fearful apprehension. Canellakis’s masterful guidance encourages incisive playing, though the engineering occasionally softens the overall impact.

The second movement sets the stage for something truly remarkable. Taken at a slightly faster tempo, Canellakis infuses the music with sarcastic playfulness, revealing the orchestra’s joyful spirit. The “Elegia” that ensues casts a hauntingly forbidding aura, creating a perfect balance between the playful and the eerie. Canellakis’s meticulous attention to detail allows the inner textures of the orchestra to shine through, offering a deeply immersive listening experience.

The fourth movement bursts forth with vivid character, and the orchestra excels in conveying the caustic mockery that echoes Shostakovich’s seventh symphony. In the final movement, Canellakis unleashes the orchestra’s collective virtuosity, driving the music with a sense of urgency and passion. Despite occasional moments where the engineering softens the orchestra’s aggressive playing, the overall performance leaves a lasting impact, fueled by Canellakis’s enthusiasm and the orchestra’s commitment.

Comparisons with other notable recordings are inevitable, but Canellakis’s interpretation stands out for its unique charm and emotional depth. While Solti’s Chicago recording and Fischer’s Budapest Festival Orchestra version offer their own merits, Canellakis’s partnership with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra infuses the music with an invigorating spirit and a distinctive artistic voice.

PentaTone’s impeccable recording quality envelopes the listener in a sonic wonderland, seamlessly capturing the live performances without any distracting elements. Canellakis’s debut collaboration with PentaTone has yielded a thrilling album that showcases the brilliance of Bartók’s orchestral gems and marks a promising beginning for this exciting partnership. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey through Bartók’s captivating world, brought to life by the consummate artistry of Karina Canellakis and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.