The Sinfonia Christkoenig under Eduard Matscheko opened the new season of their concert series in the parish of Christkoenig in Linz and gave an absolutely convincing performance – both the numerous audience and Clemens Hellsberg, chairman of the Vienna Philharmonic under whose patronage this project is, were overwhelmed.
In his opening speech Hellsberg did not only point out the incredible cultural development of his hometown Linz but also the lively scene beyond the big stages which nevertheless presents first-class programmes and performances. The patronage of the Vienna Philharmonic does not only mean using their good name for an equally good matter but also offers a good opportunity for their best soloists in their ranks to present themselves. In this concert the soloist was Volkhard Steude, who has been concert master of the Vienna Philharmonic since 2000 and played Mendelssohn’s Violin-Concerto with his own orchestra in Vienna’s Musikverein just a short time ago. This first romantic concerto which astounded the audiences with important formal innovations when it was composed, was the centre of this concert. For Volkhard Steude it seemed like a waltz across a meadow in spring smelling of blue blossoms. He is so much above it all that he could concentrate on interpreting, enjoying the tone colours to the fullest, and playing the most refined dynamic and agogic nuances and so played Mendelssohn’s concert in such a light-hearted and also intense and profound way in which it has not been heard for a long time, not only in Linz. The Sinfonia Christkoenig managed more than just to keep pace and accompanied with both subtle and emotional sounds. Moreover, Eduard Matscheko added inspiring fuel to the fire so that this concerto – as the composer intended – was not lost only in endless beautifully yearning cantilenas but also showed dramatic accents which are often missing in other performances.
Unlimited Enthusiasm
With similar dramatic impetus Matscheko conducted Mozart’s Don-Giovanni-Ouverture and – after the intermission – Beethoven’s 2nd Symphony, which was interpreted in a ravishing and lively way. It is noticeable here that the orchestra consists of professional musicians: members of the Bruckner Orchester, teachers at universities and musical schools and young talented musicians – and that they are ready to present top performances and to work with sheer endless enthusiasm. And this is what enthralls everybody.