Devil raged at Korjaamo
An experienced double bassist Petri Lehto with Lahti Symphony Orchestra, targeting for music doctorate, had to settle with his concert for Vaunusali hall at Korjaamo Culture Factory. The subject for his project – the effect of the double bass to different ensembles – didn't quite get through because most of the bass energy vanished into the curtain covered walls of the hall.
Although, The Soldier's Tale by Igor Stravinsky, composed for a travelling septet came through with its theater-like bareness. Thanks especially to the brilliantly illustrative conductor Hannu Lintu and the violinist Jaakko Kuusisto representing the soul of The Soldier.
Actor Pekka Huotari was a perfect choice for Devil as he croaked and whined through nearly ten roles including the part of the narrator.
Catch and Release by Esa-Pekka Salonen suffered even more from the acoustic circumstances. The work that got its title from sport fishing has an identical instrumentation to The Soldier's Tale only with the vibraphone added to the percussion.
Salonen, in his youth practically marinated in the sound world of Stravinsky, avoids the direct similarity between the pieces setting the ensemble in a quick move and a whirlwind in which the instruments dash and beat beside and over each other. Although more languidly flowing in the focal Aria movement.
Jukka Isopuro
Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, May 10. 2010
