Johnny Greenwood’s a standout amongst an evening of mixed Beethovian pleasures.

Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

October 27, 2014

Tognetti’s Beethoven was the title for ACO’s latest tour, but it could have easily born the subtitle Pieces in the key of C. If it was indeed Beethoven audiences were after, it was Beethoven they got. With the program featuring Coriolan Overture, the Concerto for violin, cello and piano, and his Symphony No 1 in C Major, as well as a modern inclusion with Jonny Greenwood’s 2013 composition Water. The typically lightweight chamber orchestra was significantly augmented with extra orchestral forces, in a full wind section, brass and timpani.

No sooner than Artistic Director Richard Tognetti finished his introduction of the evening’s theme, did the strings launch into the strident opening tutti of the Coriolan Overture. There could not have been a more fitting program opener, as each bow hammered this ‘C’ message home.  ACO’s usual string section played with their signature clarity of articulation. The addition of a wind, brass and timpani however, created ensemble problems. The orchestra never achieved a real cohesion of pulse, which would have transformed an already exhilarating interpretation.

Beethoven’s Triple Concerto for violin, cello and piano was...