Toronto Symphony Orchestra | Lutosławski: Overture for Strings; Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11; Bruckner: Symphony No. 1 in C minor (1891 Vienna version). The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Gustavo Gimeno, conductor; J Trevor Wilson, conductor; Jan Lisiecki, piano (2024/25 TSO Spotlight Artist) February 22, 2025 at Roy Thomson Hall.
One of the most anticipated concerts of the TSO this season is the return of Jan Lisiecki, this year’s Spotlight Artist. The program Lisiecki Plays Chopin intentionally paired a familiar piano masterwork with two rarely-performed, yet ambitious pieces.
A Polish theme dominated the first half, which opened with Witold Lutosławski’s Overture for Strings. Conducted by TSO Resident Conductor Trevor Wilson (who also conducts the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra), this short piece features Lutosławski’s signature use of the chain technique, which overlaps the introduction of a new musical idea as the previous one is still happening. The soundscape is largely dissonant, punctuated by melodic solo cello lines. Lutosławski said himself, “For the most part, after listening to it, the audience is completely disoriented.”
I could not agree more.
The rest of the program was conducted by TSO music director Gimeno Gustavo. It is hard to believe that Lisiecki, Canada’s piano prodigy, is all grown up and turning 30 in a few months. His shared Polish heritage with Chopin lends something unique to his interpretation of the Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor.
Lisiecki’s undeniable technical virtuosity is mirrored by ample dramatic flair. The mezzo-piano passages in the ultra romantic second movement are colourful yet delicate. Lisiecki has a way of making left-hand melodies shine, especially in the third movement, which he filled with hot-blooded exuberance.
The orchestra, on the other hand, was off to a sluggish start. During the opening movement’s long orchestral introduction, I had trouble reconciling what my eyes and ears perceived — the orchestra seemed half a beat off from Gimeno’s baton. Jarring notes shot from the brass on a few occasions.
Although the orchestra provided a serviceable accompaniment to the soloist, I felt a discordance in mood and style between them. None of that fazed the audience though, and they were rewarded with an encore of Chopin’s Prelude in E minor. Lisiecki’s low-key approach to this serene piano solo was in stark contrast to the concerto. Although it was played with unadorned finesse, I would have preferred a more poetic rendition.
It was obvious that Lisiecki was the reason for the almost full-house. After the intermission, there were a few noticeable empty seats, but those who left early missed out on a fine second half of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 in C minor (1891 Vienna version). Although this is hardly Bruckner’s best symphony, it is said to be one of Gimeno’s personal favourites.
This symphony is full of contrasts, alternating between driving rhythms, intense climaxes, and lyrical passages. The first movement Allegro opens with a majestic theme that gives way to tender melodies from the strings. Similarly, the sombre beginning of the Adagio unfolds into a lush theme filled with romantic lyricism. In the Scherzo, the second violins burst into a recurring stormy theme that is contrasted by a calm trio. The symphony culminates with the Finale, woven together by seemingly unrelated ideas that keep returning to a C minor root, with feverish strings answering the blazing brass, then ending on a C major chord.
Under Gimeno’s expressive conducting, the orchestra showed its full dramatic range with energetic and intense playing.
Saturday’s concert also marked the special occasion of long-time violinist Mark Skazinetsky’s last official TSO performance before his retirement. Skazinetsky has been with the TSO since 1980, serving as Associate Concertmaster for over 30 years. Although Gimeno is not usually a man of speeches, he gave a heartfelt send-off with a funny personal anecdote, and Skazinetsky received several long standing ovations from the audience. What a fitting and heart-warming celebration of an illustrious TSO career.
Congratulations and Happy Retirement, Mark. We will miss you.
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