Johannesburg, South Africa – The Austrian Wolfgang David ended his visit of the Northern Provinces this week with the enchanting violin concerto by Korngold with the Johannesburg Philharmonic.
The exquisite harmonies, longhaunting themes which are at times interrupted by freak matters, and the continuous build up of the power of the music are characteristics of the work. One feels that as the music progresses one is part of a musical adventure. Consequently it is important that the music is presented in the correct spirit, from an energetic approach and full of surprises.
This was exactly what David achieved. His violin allows Korngold’s music to sing sometimes in full and sometimes tenderly, but always with irresistible utterance of sound which the soloist had to control.
His interpretation was spontaneous and makes associate with Korngold, in spite of the fact that the concerto was completed a decade before his death. There was drama, colour and romance in the brilliant performance.