Tchaikovsky played with force, boldness

UTAH SYMPHONY, CONDUCTOR JEAN-CLAUDE CASADESUS, PIANIST ALEXANDER PALEY, Abravanel Hall, Feb. 20, additional performance Feb. 21 (801-355-2787)

Tchaikovsky's two workhorse concertos appear with predictable regularity in the Utah Symphony's programs. Perennial audience favorites, both the violin and piano concertos are without question melodic and pleasing. And they do fill Abravanel Hall whenever they're played, no matter how often that has been in the last several years.

Does this justify having them programmed so often? Yes and no — depending on who is playing them. Not every violinist or pianist can do justice to these two works — and it does take soloists of tremendous virtuosity and musicality to pull them off successfully.

This weekend, it's the piano concerto's turn, with Alexander Paley as soloist and Jean-Claude Casadesus guest conducting the Utah Symphony. And while there was much to commend in Paley's reading, it also left something to be desired.

Paley is certainly a powerhouse at the keyboard. He came onstage and flung himself at the music with an aggressiveness that exuded raw energy.

The Moldavian-born pianist is technically solid and his bravura playing dazzled the audience in the first movement, but his interpretation frequently lacked expressiveness. It was a very dynamic opening movement, rough hewn and jagged at times, and never dull.

Casadesus had a hard time reining in Paley's boldness while trying to bring a sense of expressiveness to the movement.

The two, unfortunately, never meshed here.

The second movement went much better. Paley showed his expressive side finally, and he and Casadesus brought a lovely lyricism to the music. Assistant principal flute Lisa Byrnes' delicately phrased solo at the beginning set the tone for what was to follow.

Paley once again let loose in the finale, although his playing wasn't quite as angry as in the first. His playing was forceful but it was also tempered with some captivating lyricism.

The only other piece on this weekend's program is Brahms' First Symphony. Casadesus drew out a finely crafted performance from the orchestra that captured the passion, drama, intensity and urgency of the work.

Casadesus' reading also brought out the nuances in tempos, dynamics and expression wonderfully. This was an expansive account; Casadesus allowed the music to flow and this underscored the scope and character of the work wonderfully. And the orchestra played magnificently under his baton.

E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com