Cleveland Orchestra Delivers Captivating Performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Conductor Pablo Heras-Casado returned to the Cleveland Orchestra this week, showcasing Dmitri Shostakovich’s powerful Symphony No. 10, a significant work from the composer’s mid-career period. Heras-Casado, who has been a prominent figure in the classical music scene, reignited interest in his conducting abilities at the Severance Music Center on December 5.
Though Franz Welser-Möst plans to remain at the helm until 2027, the concert hall has seen various guest conductors recently, as Welser-Möst recovers from medical treatment. Heras-Casado’s pairing of Shostakovich’s monumental symphony and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 added a weighty notable presence to the program, suggesting a thoughtful audition for future opportunities.
Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 is rich in coded messages, notably featuring motifs that reflect the composer’s initials and personal connections. The piece, created amidst the thaw in Soviet politics after Stalin’s death in 1953, showcases the composer’s hidden ambitions. Heras-Casado’s conducting style allowed instrumentalists freedom while maintaining the overall structure, resulting in a cohesive performance highlighted by clarinetist Afendi Yusuf, hornist Nathaniel Silberschlag, and piccoloist Mary Kay Fink.
The evening began with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20, performed by veteran pianist Emanuel Ax. The orchestra complemented his smooth tones but could have infused more drama into the piece. Nevertheless, the finale saw a surge of passion that captivated the audience. Ax concluded the concert with Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp Minor, offering a reflective moment that resonated deeply with listeners.
The concert will be repeated on December 6 and 7 at the Mandel Concert Hall. Tickets, starting at $35, are available at clevelandorchestra.com.
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