Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra

eautiful and extraordinary. These were my first reactions on listening to this new recording by Karina Canellakis in her recently appointed position as Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. As I continued listening, I found her fully exploring the extensive range of emotions to be found in these two orchestral works by Bartok. But her approach is not to hit one over the head. Instead, she slides in from the edges, sneaks up on you, then brilliantly clobbers you with full orchestral impact or with dry, sly wit—as the music may demand. And then she may completely surprise with the most beautiful lyricism one may hope to hear. And this is Bartok! In a full ration of different dimensions to these compositions.

This album surprised the dickens out of me—and delightfully so. Canellakis is off to a tremendous start in her conductorial role with the NRPO.

Karina Canellakis, lauded for her emotionally charged performances and technical command, is a leading conductor of her generation. Serving as Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor for both the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin (RSB), Canellakis has worked with top orchestras worldwide since winning the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award in 2016. A virtuoso violinist-turned-conductor under Sir Simon Rattle’s guidance, she made history as the first woman to conduct both the First Night of the BBC Proms and the Nobel Prize Concert. Born in New York City, Canellakis has received critical acclaim for her concert performances and opera productions. She will be an Artist-in-Residence at Vienna’s Musikverein in the 2023-24 season.

Canellakis is making her Pentatone debut with Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra, while the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the label following their 2018 participation in Gordon Getty’s Beauty Comes Dancing. The recording’s program contains Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra and four Orchestral Pieces. The Concerto for Orchestra, one of Bartók’s final works, is known for its vibrant orchestrations, virtuosic writing, and creative use of folk melodies. The four Orchestral Pieces strongly connect with Bartók’s stage works Duke Bluebeard’s Castle and The Wooden Prince, conceived during the same period. Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra highlights the remarkable synergy between Canellakis and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.

Opening the recording is the first movement of Béla Bartók’s 4 Orchestral Pieces, Sz. 51, “Preludio. Moderato,” setting thekarina-canellakis-1 stage for the rest of the recording and demonstrating Canellakis’ approach to the intriguing introduction of the composition that builds mystery with captivating sounds of modern harmony and the various orchestral colors and textures. Canellakis’ use of dynamics and flowing tempos bring out the composer’s unique style combining elements of impressionism and modernism. The movement is beautifully recorded, and the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra’s skillful performance and response to Canellakis’ direction make for an impressive opening performance and introduction to the recording.

The fifth and final movement, “V. Finale. Pesante – Presto” from Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116 serves as a powerful and exciting ending to this delightful program. Canellakis’ concept, for its innovative orchestration, captivating melodies, and engaging structure is dynamic and brings out all the energy and textures wonderfully. The performance solidifies Canellakis’ imagination and directing concept for one of Bartók’s most enduring and celebrated compositions. Her tempo choices are lovely, and her pushing and pulling of phrases and the dynamic peaks and valleys are thrilling. Furthermore, her shaping of the composition brings out the various climaxes, the virtuosity of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, and the various sections of the orchestra, as it requires exceptional technical skill and precision from the performers.

Karina Canellakis’ Pentatone debut, Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra, is a triumph success that showcases her exceptional musicianship, understanding, and leadership in directing the outstanding capabilities of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. Through her masterful command of tempo, dynamics, and phrasing, Canellakis brings life to Bartók’s richly textured works, revealing the full breadth of their beauty and complexity.

This recording stands as a testament to Canellakis’ status as a leading conductor of her generation and further cements her place in the international classical music scene. The captivating performances and superb recording quality make this album an absolute must-listen for Bartók enthusiasts and newcomers, offering a genuinely engaging and unforgettable listening experience.

This is the Dutch orchestra's first recording with their new Principal Conductor, and it's a cracker.

Bartók was a key part of Canellakis's repertoire in her previous career as a violinist. Her long-standing affection for his music resonates loud and clear in performances that balance high adrenaline with a warm lyricism that often gets short-changed in this music.

The seldom-recorded Four Pieces come off especially well. Not least the fiendish Scherzo, where the precision of the playing in every section is a marvel.