Soaring Heights

Wow! The QSO kicked off their 2022 season in energetic style with inspiring music to set the soul ascending – two incredible pieces by composers working in the Romantic classical music period. Fittingly both composers are from Germany, the home country of our Maestro, Johannes Fritzsch. The first half of the concert was the 'Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat' by Johannes Brahms, a superb showcase for the piano virtuosity of featured performer Daniel de Borah, an award-winning pianist who has studied and performed worldwide, but who now calls Brisbane his home (fortunate students can benefit from his talents as Head of Chamber Music at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University). At nearly an hour long, this four-movement concerto is a feat of mastery for the soloist, who effortlessly glides through the challenges and complexities of the piece, his hands quickly skimming the keyboard with ease. The curtain calls were so effusive that de Borah had no choice but to take to the keys for an encore.

The second piece was equally as exciting and elevating – 'Alpine Symphony' by Richard Strauss was inspired by the composer's trek through a thunderstorm in the Bavarian Alps. He turned his love of nature and the alpine setting into a tone poem, an aural story told in a single musical movement. This is a lively work with bustling arrangement and conductor Johannes Fritzsch is a joy to watch as he brings together the 70 or so musicians who complete the full orchestra. The Maestro is kept on his toes with such an action-packed piece, showcasing just about every instrument on the orchestra's colour palette to bring the landscape to life.

This is a composer for whom the expression 'more cowbell' is surely apt. He runs the full gamut from harps and horns to metallic thunder sheet, crashing cymbals and yes, cowbells!

The expansive range culminates in the gorgeous Klais Grand Organ (what a treat to hear this work of art in action).

At the start of this piece, it seems as if the whole orchestra is set to take off and lift the ceiling on the Concert Hall as the crescendos like an aeroplane readying on the runway. The vessel takes us up to the alps, gliding over the peaks and dipping into the valleys where we encounter those cows and goats (yes, I'm sure I saw them!) a goat-herd or two, before taking us into a cave in the side of the rocks to shelter from the thunderstorm. What an incredible musical experience!

Every year the QSO performs their popular Cinematic tribute to Hollywood soundtracks (in April 2022 it's an homage to John Williams as he turns 90 this year). But there is no need to wait to hear the originators of the music that inspired the cinema composers of today. Both these pieces have hints of soaring cinematic soundtracks that will be familiar to every listener. A breathtaking start to the 2022 season, enjoyed by an absolutely packed house at the Concert Hall.

Find out about QSO's 2022 season: qso.com.au

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Peter Wallis