The concert, which attracted around 1,200 spectators, contrasted Haydn's luminous “Military” Symphony with Edward Elgar's Second Symphony. Critics noted that the former displayed a vitality and freshness that the latter failed to achieve, despite its presence in international programming.
Paul McCreesh, principal guest conductor of the Orquestra de València and renowned for his experience with period instruments, successfully led Haydn's piece. However, the interpretation of Elgar's work fell into clichés, lacking the imagination and expression that characterize musical genius.
Frente a este Elgar rutinariamente reanimado, embadurnado de todos los tópicos habidos y por haber, tan plúmbeo como cuando fue programado por la misma orquesta y Yaron Traub en noviembre de 2017, la música de Haydn, fresca y diamantina, cargada de humor, ironía y parodia, ensimismada en su naturaleza clasicista, se torna el mejor bálsamo. Un instante de la Sinfonía Militar vale más que las interminables elucubraciones elgarianas. Genio contra rutina. Imaginación frente a oficio.
Haydn's “Military” Symphony was performed with remarkable instrumental quality, highlighting the silky and blended strings, sparkle, and brilliance. The trumpets and the “Turkish percussion” in the Allegretto received praise, solidifying the victory of classicism over Victorian airs in this musical evening.
