Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@cincysymphony opened its 2024 slate of concerts with wonderful, exciting performances of a pair of masterpieces by Johannes Brahms, his Piano Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 2, under the direction of guest conductor Donald Runnicles, making a welcome return appearance.
Grammy-winning pianist Daniil Trifonov (@daniiltrifonov), who joined the orchestra for the concerto, tackled Brahms’s virtuosic demands with flair and seamless, flowing grace (especially in the first and second movements). His communication with the orchestra was amazing to see, often pulling back in softer sections so as not to overwhelm the overall sound. With a poweful and enigmatic performance of the final movement, Trifonov brought a rapturous Music Hall audience to its feet.
Brahms’s second symphony could be considered among the most sunny works he wrote in the latter part of his life (specifically 1877), and Maestro Runnicles brought that emotion to the fore in the second half of tonight’s concert. His gestures throughout conveyed a relaxed, yet strong emotional depth while at the same time being extremely communicative with every section of the orchestra, particularly in the second and third movements’ more lyrical moments, painting a canvas of graceful waltzes in the first movement, and a high-spirited, joyful final movement. All of these and more received a warm response from tonight’s audience.
Aa Donald Runnicles is among the definitive interpeters of Brahms’s music, it has been a joy to have him here in Cincinnati to bring it to life with such a fine group of musicians as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.