The Cleveland Orchestra — Attraction in Cleveland

Rachmaninoff  Piano Concerto # 3, d minor, Opus 30

Nov. 3, 2018, Severance Hall

Krill Gerstein, Piano

Matthias Pintscher, Conductor

Rachmaninoff was a great conductor, pianist and composer.  An incredibly gifted composer- his music is just beautifully riveting, enchanting,flowing, well constructed and just exhilarating. A true musical-poetic story, this third concerto has been part The Cleveland orchestra’s repertoire first performed by Vladimir Horowitz in 1928, and with the Rachmaninoff, composer himself in 1932, and many since. A  monumental work, just performing it through is an accomplishment in itself; so well written, that it is an audience’s joy, regardless.

And that is exactly what happened last Saturday night at Severance. The Orchestra’s experience took over from the opening note. All the beautiful harmonies, chords, were there to seduce our ears and hearts, as the by product of a great composer and a

World class orchestra.

Un-comfort   permeated through most of the performance, from the soloist, and, the Conductor. The simple opening motif as it developed, never quite fully synchronized with the performers. The crescendi, diminuendo, Pianissimi, were largely, absent. Cadenzas were labored, no sense of spontaneity. However, most of the notes were there- the public was able to enjoy the sound- mostly due to the orchestra’s extensive experience, and the beautifully constructed music which  is enthralling- at times the conductor showed uncertainty.

Suggestions that might help:  both conductor and pianist, listen to Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, and yes, Van Cliburn along with Kondrashin. From the opening, Van Cliburn shapes the motif, relates it to the entire piece, creates a sense of expectation, there is ebb and flow between the orchestra and soloist, creating a conversation- a poetic sound story, a beautiful dynamics and piano sound. The motifs are beautifully developed and exchanged.

For the managing team of Mr. Gerstein, this piece is not ready to be performed in public, particularly with such a a great orchestra, with its  lineage of past virtuosi.

Mr. Gerstein needs time with this...

Musically exquisite but lacking guest service friendliness, especially for older folks. The website is difficult to manage and get details from in advance, such as parking options and dining options (they mention it but lack details). I showed up to park underneath, and there was a notice saying only prepaid and passes. I was 45 minutes early for the concert but was baffled at where to go. Street parking was only for 2 hours and taken. I finally went across the street and found a Case lot unattended w a phone pay system, and 3 others struggling to get the system to work. It took me 20 minutes, and about 6 tries to finally get it paid. Inside was a hive w a lobby full of things to buy and eat but little in directions on where to enter the house. Once inside, we had to seek out an usher several times to find our seat, and even they were confused and had to eventually find a house manager who then figured out what looked like a 3 on our phone screen for their Ticket Wallet app was really Row J. So much unnecessary stress and uncertainty for guests, and both of us are not new concertgoers (we work in the arts)! But we are over 60, and most everyone, including the staff, was also. These online solutions can be great but why not make them easier to use? I had been considering subscribing,...

Last two Blossom concerts ( David Frey /Vladimir Petrenko and Behzod Abduraimov/Robert Trevino) illuminated for me what raw young talent combined with passion and joy for the music can do for the listener. Abduraimov's performance made me feel as if I had been present for the piano performances of Leon Fleisher with George Szell, at the height of Fleisher's powers. To see the rapport between these two young conductors and the orchestra-- and, so rare at this stage of Cleveland leadership-- to see actual joy in music-making in the style and countenance of the conductors, brought that joy into the audience. The orchestra is a local treasure, but even treasures need to continue to grow and evolve. Energetic, visionary and emotionally accessible conducting makes a big difference. Also, discovering new soloists and their unique talents is so rewarding. In my humble opinion, Abduraimov will be one of the great pianists of the...