Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Stunningly absorbing, this performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 conducted by Domingo Hindoyan is unmissable. Considered as an archetype showpiece, the concerto is renowned for being a challenge and demands technical prowess – pianist Sergio Tiempo rises to this and more, demonstrating what a maestro he is.

Composed in the summer of 1909, the concerto is composed for a solo piano and an orchestra. It is split into three sections and this performance takes all three of those on with barely sixty seconds between each.

This is a performance of endurance as well as technical mastery.

Sergio Tiempo was not originally billed to perform tonight, making his playing all the more impressive. Throughout most of his playing, he subtly smiles and loses himself in the intensity of playing – the audience, seeing the difficulty in the task, smiles with him.

And what of the orchestra running parallel to the pianist?

Delightful. The relationship between Hindoyan, the musicians and Tiempo is a joy to watch. From the expressions on faces and frequent glances to Hindoyan, this is an ensemble that love the music they’re playing.

Positioned behind the piano Hindoyan blends into the background. There is a frequent exchange between him, the orchestra and Tiempo. This is communicated through eye contact (Hindoyan gives the impression he makes eye contact with every person on the stage) head nods and, of course, the conductor’s signals.

Although Tiempo’s virtuosity provides the glue to the concerto, there is a strong sense of this being a communal performance.

As the interval approached, the concerto edged towards a blistering climax with the orchestra bobbing in unison and the audience keen to show appreciation. Everyone was on their feet applauding as the final note sounded.

The interval provided a change of atmosphere with Brahms Symphony No.2. Here, Hindoyan’s conducting style comes to the fore. Like a ballet dancer in places, he has a casual gracefulness in his manner. The strong dynamic between himself and the orchestra is maintained, it’s almost familial. He speaks with his face as much as his hands.

The passion for playing was no more obvious than when the evening drew to its finale – rising in tempo and franticness, the orchestra matched the energy of Hindoyan’s movements. It was such an exnihilating climax that part of Hindoyan’s baton flew off into the distance!

Everyone on stage clearly has a love of their craft as well as the skill to deliver it, and there is a sense of collective satisfaction at ‘meeting the challenge’ to perform each piece faultlessly.

For future productions and performances, view Liverpool Philharmonic’s website https://www.liverpoolphil.com/

Reviewer: Ezzy LaBelle

Reviewed: 2nd March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★