Renowned Ukraine-born Australian pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk has said of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s music that it is, “a struggle between openness and fragility, between darkness and euphoria, humour and sadness and tragedy and resilience.”

Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23, (1875) exemplifies this struggle and it provides a platform for the finest pianists.

Together with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra under conductor Douglas Boyd, Gavrylyuk gave a most memorable performance of Tchaikovsky’s concerto, wringing every drop of emotion from its brooding passages. Gavrylyuk himself is engagingly expressive at the piano, as he pours his heart and soul into his work.

Majesty: Alexander Gavrylyuk and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Photo © Ben MacMahon

The concerto’s dramatic opening, in which a repeated motif in the horn calls us to attention, is followed by a succession of thundering piano chords that overlay the orchestra’s introduction of the first theme. The piano then takes up and develops that theme.

The balance between the piano and orchestra is crucial here, as the piano asserts its authority. Under Douglas Boyd, the orchestra’s sound was full and rich, and the competition was intense.

Marked Allegro non troppo e molto...