“ It’s clean. It’s light. That’s clear: Massimo Zanetti and Gyeonggi Philharmonic Schumann Cycle Symphonies No. 3 and 4 “.
The Maestro depicted Schumann’s love for Clara and the complexity of the Composer’s soul, and the result was just thrilling, as emotions were engraved in the music.
The outcome was fresh, thrilling, transparent, and convincing. It was a time to learn the charms of Schumann’s work that I never found before. The musicians seemed to have a lot to perform with unfamiliar and complex music. But they did it.
Massimo Zanetti’s approach to Schumann was convincing with various effects, nuances and dynamic contrasts.
The musically precise performance revived the rhythmic charm of Schumann’s works in the first movement of Symphony No.3, in which timpani, horns, trumpets and strings created a thrilling blow on the long Crescendo. In the third movement, the Choral melody led by viola, cello, and bassoon was also very well performed. In the Second movement of No. 3, the moment that follows the main theme sounded light and precious. In staccato sounds, the instruments come from here and there in sequence. Bassoon, cello, violin, viola and oboe raise their heads. It was like saying, “We’re fine here”.
Symphony No.4 is more powerful than the Third. The conductor’s approach emphasized the rhythm, making it extremely exciting. There were enough build-ups for dramatic moments, so it felt like the time was flying by.
The encore was Mozart’s ‘Ave Verum’. Wasn’t it just the music we all need right now?
Author: Ryu Tae Hyung
The Gyeonggi Phil Cycle of Schumann’s Symphonies was stopped halfway through last year because of Covid19 and has now been completed with the remaining Third and Fourth Symphonies. Among conductors of various experiences, I enjoy when opera conductors play symphonies, especially Massimo Zanetti. His music captivates people with appropriate and colourful dynamics, tempo, and phrasing, enough to make them imagine rhetoric even in music without lyrics. It is a virtue that only musicians who understand the musicality of language can have, not just interpreting notes as symbols, and this is a matter of pure experience. With the Schumann symphonies that are less burdensome in counterpoint, he poured out what he wanted to say so refreshingly and neatly; It was emotional and not dull. If his music were speech, it would persuade me.
Author: Anna Roh
Schumann’s Symphonies are beautiful music, but they can easily be either superficially played or cluttered. Massimo Zanetti gave cohesion and created a natural flow through skilful strength, tempo control, and unique legato and breaks. Every time he conducted, I could feel why the audience said it was like an opera, and it was impressive to see him come up to the podium without scores and interact with the members.
Newspaper: Chousun Ilbo
Journalist: Kim Sung Hyun