Review Roundup: Leif Ove Andsnes Performs with The New York Philharmonic at David Geffen Hall

On October 12 Leif Ove Andsnes performed Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 4, a lesser performed work of his compared to his Second and Third Piano Concertos. Andsnes's performance was his debut as an Artist-In-Residence at the New York Philharmonic.

The program also includes Esa-Pekka Salonen's Gambit, and Sibelius's Symphony No. 5. The program is conducted by Paavo Jarvi, and runs through October 17.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times: The first movement starts with a rousing theme played in thick piano chords, backed by the bustling orchestra. Yet the phrases take unexpected turns and the rhythmic flow has intriguing hiccups. An elegiac second theme offers lyrical repose, though there's a subtext of unsettling harmonies... Mr. Andsnes's performance was so animated and effortless that the music sounded almost lucid. Mr. Jarvi matched his exuberance right through, drawing bright, crisp playing from the orchestra.

Jacob Slattery, Bach Track: Fortunately, Andsnes' dynamic style and technique conjure an energy that demands attention. Andsnes executed scale after perfectly delineated scale among impassioned songs-without-words, crafting a performance enjoyable for its virtuosity in spite of Rachmaninov's dog's breakfast. Järvi kept good balance of the orchestral accompaniment, which is more of an accomplishment than it seems given the robustness of Rachmaninov's orchestration... Järvi and the Philharmonic concluded the evening with Sibelius' Fifth Symphony, and it's evident that the New York Philharmonic horn section has never sounded better.

George Grella, New York Classical Review: Andsnes is not just a superb pianist, with one of the finest techniques one will witness, but one of the most interesting musicians on the classical scene. He plays with power, fire, and poetry, and also with a notably deep intelligence-his phrases have a granitic, finely edged logic, and he shines in music from the classical era.

Photo: Özgür Albayrak