Zurich, Tonhalle: PROKOFIEv 12.01.2023
Despite the filigree Andante introduction, so sensitively intonated by the clarinetists of the Tonhalle Orchestra, Prokofiev's third piano concerto is a virtuoso, overwhelming flying piece. Because right after this short cantilene, the soloist gets into the action and from that moment on you are captivated, tied up, sit practically on the edge of the chair. Because what the young Romanian pianist Daniel Ciobanu shows here is simply stupendous. Despite the fast-paced, powerful grips, his playing remains lively, of course rhythmically precise and the figurations between the cascades delicately chiselled listening to and implementing. The conductor Omer Meir Wellber is an attentive, present companion and companion to him, makes the orchestra an equal partner, it literally explodes in certain places in order to take it back immediately afterwards, so that the so that the sonic balance is always maintained and the ear is not slain. The great late romantic emphasis comes into play as well as the playful-ironic variation of it. Perfectly played runs of the soloist meet balanced dynamics of the orchestra, dabbed tones contrast with breathtaking Gilssandi. The finale of the first set enters like a hammer blow. In the second movement, a dance-sloping ductus dominates first. The well-dosed (i.e. economical) pedal insert by Daniel Ciobanu causes crystalline precision, the syncoptic dialogue with the orchestra becomes an intense listening experience. Only temporarily does the music get into slightly quieter waters, Ciobanu attracts attention with elongated, fine, dreamy trills, accompanied by beautifully extensive string cantiles. In the third movement, Omer Meir Wellber can hardly keep himself calm on the podium anymore, the rhythms flood his entire body, he begins to dance - and it does not bother at all, because what is important in the orchestra and is implemented extremely precisely blows you away. Ciobanu now shines again with insane runs, trills, cascades. Pizzicati the strings fight against powerful interval jumps of the piano, the strings try again at the late romantic upswing, the piano counteracts with playful rhythm, which the outstanding woodwind group of the Tonhalle Orchestra likes to take on. But now the piano allies itself with the wonderfully warm sound of the cellos and violas, accompanied by magnificent arpeggios, glittering like water tropics in the morning sun. The very end of the topic returns shortly before it is bent into the highest technical demands on the piano virtuoso finale. The hell ride is over and the deserved cheers of the audience immediately burns up, the tension discharges in deserved applause. But that's not all about speed and brilliance, because the boogie Woogie that Daniel Ciabanu plays as an encore is so crazy in speed and structure that you almost get dizzy. Hopefully you will soon be able to experience this exceptional pianist again in Zurich - maybe even as an artist in residence?
ORIGINAL REVIEW IN GERMAN :
https://www.oper-aktuell.info/kritiken/artikel/zuerich-tonhalle-prokofiew-milch-sheriff-beethoven-12012021.html