There's a solid foundation for the argument that Norway does it better: trains are on time and direct, the language has rules that make sense, and the country has produced some stunning musicians.
This evening brought me Also Sprach Zarathustra conducted by Vasily Petrenko; a treat if ever there was one! It goes without saying that the playing is exceptional, but the fact that it sounds quite so good in the Konzerthus is incredible in itself. The acoustic is so dry that it feels as though you are sat right next to the players. There is nowhere to hide for these musicians, which only serves to further showcase their talent.
The trumpet section of the Oslo Phil tonight sounded as one, a trait about this orchestra I was soon to learn is second nature to them.
The philharmonic is another example of how much Norway has it together. Their Wednesday One-Work Concert Series (or a Norwegian language alternative that I can't spell) is a fantastic initiative that makes classical music accessible to those that might not manage a full length concert, but enjoy the occasional toe-dip into the orchestral soundscape.
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| You feel as though you're sat in the orchestra. Scary for the players! |
The pre-performance talk from Petrenko showed what an intelligent musician he is. Despite negative press, personally my impression of him is still positive, as his knowledge of the music he directs is second to none. One thing that stands out is the exploration of inter-disciplinary art, specifically Petrenko's knowledge of Nietzsche's philosophy and the connections in Strauss's creative mind.
The orchestra feels, moves and plays as one, under stunning direction from Petrenko.
Never have I heard the fugue section of Also Sprach be so quiet to start, so together and so excellently excecuted. It's a real shame the audience clearly all had a horrid case of the flu, because a heinous cough came within dead silence at the gorgeous, sumptuous close.
The neatness of the on stage presence of the Oslo Phil was reflected so strongly in the playing that it made me wonder; if the British orchestras had the same discipline in their deportment, would they have more discipline in the music?
Long story short, I'm having a fabulous love affair with music in Norway.