Rachmaninov and Bartok at Cankarjev Dom

Hey, dear readers!

Welcome to my first blog on the official website of the Slovenian Youth Orchestra! I'm Laura Bartelj, first violin in the orchestra, and I can't wait to share with you my musical adventures and my love for classical music.

On Wednesday, 3 July 2024, I attended a concert as part of the Ljubljana Festival at Cankarjev dom. On stage were BLESTELI! Budapest Concert Symphony Orchestra, conductor Andras Keller and pianist Mikhail Pletnev. The programme included Bartok's "The Miraculous Mandarin" and two piano concertos by Sergei Rachmaninoff - numbers 1 and 2. The following evening we enjoyed the 3rd and 4th concerts.

I don't know which was better!

In "The Miraculous Mandarin", the Budapest Orchestra presented an incredible range of sounds and dynamic differences that completely immersed the audience in the story. The story is about an attic room where three pimps force a young woman to invite passers-by, who then rob them. The Mandarin, musically depicted by the composer with a pentatonic motif, follows the young woman in a wild dance until he satisfies his instinct and dies in her arms. (Source: programme booklet - Jan Prepadnik)

One of the things that really impressed me was the full hall of Cankarjev dom. No wonder, because we had the opportunity to listen to such musical stars. Pletnev was very calm and modest. His playing was sincere and humble, but at the same time full of emotion and energy. Technically he was flawless, and his melodies transported us into the fairy-tale world of Rachmaninoff's compositions.

Rachmaninoff wrote his first piano concerto when he was only 18 years old, and later refined it to improve its structure and style. The concerto is full of youthful energy and boldness, while already revealing Rachmaninoff's talent for rich melodies and complex harmony. The concerto begins with a dramatic introduction leading to dynamic and virtuosic passages of the piano, backed by the orchestra. The concerto has three movements: a lively and powerful first movement, a lyrical and introspective second movement and an energetic and brilliant final movement.

Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto is one of his most popular works and is considered to be the pinnacle of Romantic piano literature. After a difficult period of creative crisis, Rachmaninoff regained his confidence and recognition with this concerto. (Source: programme booklet) The concerto is renowned for its emotional depth and stunning virtuosity. It begins with distinctive chords that build tension, then moves into beautiful, lyrical melodies interwoven by the orchestra. The second movement is dreamy and nostalgic, the third explosive and triumphant, ending with a grand finale.

Such musical experiences remind us of the power and beauty of classical music, which, despite time, still speaks to our hearts and souls. With his concerts, Rachmaninoff has given us a priceless gift that will long resonate in the minds of all who witnessed this wonderful performance.

The visit was a truly unforgettable experience. To hear these masterpieces live from the hands of such masters was a real musical treat. I highly recommend it!

Let music guide your heart, dear readers!

Laura Bartelj