Concert review: New York Philharmonic Ensembles

Mozart’s G major Duo for violin and viola opened the first New York Philharmonic Ensembles programme of the new season, and it was a joy to hear principal violist Cynthia Phelps and section violinist Yulia Ziskel perform with clarity and beauty. Especially memorable was their sensitive rubato and memorable phrasing throughout.

Brahms’s Third Piano Trio in C minor followed, performed by violinist I-Jung Huang, cellist Ru-Pei Yeh and guest pianist Helen Huang. The dramatic opening melted into a warmly lyrical second theme and the violinist’s considered approach to every phrase and subtle colour change proved very effective.

The ensemble played with passion and precision: the muted second movement was certainly not performed with muted character, with even the pizzicato runs given clear direction. The expansive piano responses to the string melodies in the Andante were memorable and the moderate tempo for the final Allegro molto allowed for attention to character as well as clarity of vision and phrasing.

Beethoven’s Septet – presented by a small chamber orchestra – closed the concert with great energy and character. The ensemble achieved a balance between robust, orchestral sound without losing the clarity of line, and the realisation never felt dense. Overall, while there was plenty of precision in all three interpretations, the sense of enjoyment didn’t fully come to the fore until the Beethoven – where the players were clearly having terrific fun.

LEAH HOLLINGSWORTH