Review: Schumann Fest

The Hong Kong Phil's Schumann mini-festival sandwiched two recitals devoted to lieder and chamber music between a meatier pair of concerts comprising his four symphonies and two of the concertos. While Schumann's songs and chamber works have always been objects of admiration, his technique in writing for orchestra has often been the target of scrutiny.

The enthusiasm with which the composer approached his symphonies is well documented, but turning the bland printed page into coherent and fervent reproductions of Schumann's intentions is a challenge that defeats many conductors.

With the first two symphonies under the direction of Hans Graf and, a week later, the third and fourth conducted by Johannes Wildner, a critical comparison was inevitable. Wildner's rather jolly platform demeanour might not be to everyone's taste, but his readings were among the best I've heard. There wasn't a single moment that smacked of downtime; the music felt driven throughout, while still finding opportunities for flexibility when appropriate.

With Wildner conducting from memory, the players were a model of responsiveness, finding an instinctive balance during the stodgier stretches of the orchestration; the brass served up some very fine moments indeed.