HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Symphony recently dazzled audiences with the second concert of their 2025/2026 Season and the inaugural performance of their Classical Series.
Titled ‘Jean-Yves Thibaudet + The Cornered Hat,’ this memorable event featured a captivating blend of musical influences stretching from Spain to Egypt and beyond.
The concert showcased the lesser-known masterpieces of Camille Saint-Saëns’ 5th Piano Concerto and Manuel de Falla’s The Three Cornered Hat, delivering a refreshing and delightful musical experience on a beautiful fall afternoon.
Conductor Gonzalo Farias, taking the podium in place of the ailing Juanjo Mena, brought a youthful energy to the performance that was palpable and invigorating.
Audiences were eager to learn about Farias’ upcoming projects with the symphony, and many are looking forward to witnessing his growth as a conductor as he transitions from reserved movements into a more expressive style.
Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, a celebrated figure in the classical music world, graced the stage with his interpretation of Saint-Saëns’ work, which he has cherished since his student days.
Thibaudet’s comfort level at the piano was striking, a testament to his years of dedication and mastery, allowing him to perform with a balance of technical prowess and deep emotional connection.
His seamless interactions with Farias suggested a longstanding partnership, creating a harmonious synergy that enriched the concert’s atmosphere.
Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5, known as the ‘Egyptian’ concerto, is a complex work, born from the composer’s experiences during a vacation in Egypt in 1895-96.
This concerto is not to be underestimated, as it demands extraordinary precision and allows for a dramatic flair that Thibaudet showcased brilliantly.
The first movement delighted the audience, featuring playful themes that evoke a sense of tranquility reflective of Saint-Saëns’ aquatic memories from his travels.
Thibaudet’s skillful navigation of the piano produced epic crescendos reminiscent of the ocean’s waves, combining passion with respect for both his craft and the instrument itself.
Saint-Saëns, who began his career at a young age in Paris salons, crafted this concerto as a personal challenge, integrating various musical influences picked up during his lengthy career.
The second movement keeps the Egyptian theme in mind but also incorporates global influences gathered from Saint-Saëns’ travels.
The initial impression resembles historical aspects of Egypt, but soon transitions into echoes of Javanese gamelan music, showcasing a dreamlike quality that deepens the listening experience.
Thibaudet captures the serene essence of The Nile in his melodic representation, skillfully evoking feelings of a love scene intertwined with the operatic depth of Saint-Saëns’ composition.
The finale of the concerto was a jubilant culmination of the performance, with Thibaudet’s hands dancing across the keys, exhibiting both excitement and mastery.
His vitality at the piano served as a testament to Saint-Saëns’ genius and further enhanced the overall appeal of the concert.
Following the piano concerto, the audience experienced works by the Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, as conductor Gonzalo Farias led the symphony through two excerpts from Falla’s opera ‘La Vida breve’.
These selections, ‘Interlude and Danza Española’ and ‘¡Vivan los que ríen!’, plunged the audience into a tragic yet romantic story involving a young Romani woman and her wealthy lover.
Farias’ energetic conducting illuminated the performance, while contralto Susan Couden, making her Houston Symphony debut, captivated attendees with her stunning vocalizations.
The humorous tale of ‘The Three-Cornered Hat’ followed, depicting a magistrate’s clumsy attempts to seduce a miller’s wife, cleverly interspersed with vibrant orchestration and illustrative storytelling.
Falla’s skillful orchestration transported the audience to a tranquil mill setting, where the miller trains a blackbird as his timekeeper, ingeniously echoed through the interaction of violin and piccolo.
The comical antics of the magistrate, symbolized by his regalia, kept the crowd entertained, while Falla’s rhythmic dances stirred a joyous atmosphere.
The concert concluded with an energetic and chaotic representation of the Jota dance, uniting the threads of the evening into a spectacular finish.
Conductor Gonzalo Farias graciously acknowledged the contributions of his orchestra members during the encore, expressing appreciation for their dedication and artistry.
Farias demonstrated ease and confidence throughout the performance, managing an impressive collaboration with both Thibaudet and Couden.
Notably, Juanjo Mena, who recorded ‘The Three-Cornered Hat’ with the BBC Philharmonic, adds another layer to the evening’s vibrant musical discourse.
Houston Symphony Executive Director/CEO Gary Ginstling and his team deserve commendation for consistently attracting remarkable talent to the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall, a venue that enhances the musical experience with its proximity and convenience.
Upcoming performances at the symphony include Gershwin & Grimaud: Jazz Meets Symphony from October 17-19 and From Stage to Screen: Broadway Meets Hollywood from October 31-November 2.
For more information or to support this esteemed organization, visit the Houston Symphony’s website at houstonsymphony.org.
image source from：woodlandsonline
