The Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, under the direction of Charles Dutoit, gave a performance last night at L’Auditori, with the legendary pianist Martha Argerich as guest soloist.
The evening opened with Ma mère l’Oye by Maurice Ravel, performed with a refined and richly nuanced sound. The central moment came with Piano Concerto No. 1 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Argerich delivered a vivid and brilliant interpretation, marked by her characteristic rhythmic drive and expressive power. The tireless standing audience was rewarded with an encore: a fragment from Sonata K.141 in D minor by Domenico Scarlatti.
The second half culminated in Symphony No. 4 “Italian” by Felix Mendelssohn. Dutoit’s conducting emphasized its bright, dance-like character, with lively tempos and great clarity of texture.
A memorable concert which, featuring two of today’s great classical legends, brought the 25/26 BCN Clàssics season at L’Auditori to a close.