Jeremy Denk, Lammermuir Festival review: 'unwaveringly nimble'

Jeremy Denk, Maria Wloszczowska & the Royal Northern Sinfonia, St Mary’s Kirk, Haddington ★★★★

As Lammermuir Festival opening concerts go, this was – it has to be said – hardly one of the grandest, boldest or most effusive. That was even with starry American pianist Jeremy Denk in attendance, giving exceptionally fine accounts of two Mozart piano concertos (Nos 9 and 14) with sterling support from the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Perhaps it was the repertoire: was there too much of the same thing? Perhaps it was the performances: unfailingly crisp, elegant, beautifully crafted, but also somewhat self-contained and inward-looking. Perhaps it was even the fact that Denk played with his back to the audience, his impeccable keyboard technique clearly on show to everyone (well, maybe not those towards the back), but also meaning contact with the audience was minimal – except when he acknowledged applause, which felt like a longed-for moment of connection.

It was a strangely un-festive evening, one that politely asked for admiration rather than overwhelming with joy or celebration. There was, however, plenty to admire. The Royal Northern Sinfonia were on exceptionally fine form, their strongly defined, clipped and clean playing finding an ideal bloom of warmth and resonance in the generous church acoustic.

RNS leader Maria Wloszczowska, too, injected abundant energy and personality into the orchestra’s vivid performances. Likewise, Denk’s playing was unwaveringly nimble and dextrous, and he took time to gently point up Mozart’s humour, while being unafraid to peer unflinchingly into the tragedy and grief of Concerto No. 9’s slow movement.

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In between the two Mozart concertos, Janáček’s wind sextet Mládi injected some strikingly modern sounds. It made for a rewarding contrast, in a supple and carefully thought-through performance from RNS wind principals. But that sense of politeness and self-containment was there again, as though the players were reluctant to rise to the piece’s exuberant oddness. It felt like an evening that sought appreciation, rather than one that demanded that you listen.

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