Cello star Muller-Schott gives Sydney audiences music to die for

Dvorak’s cello concerto has always been a crowd pleaser and German virtuoso Daniel Muller-Schott shows us why.

German cellist Daniel Muller-Schott performing with Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Eduardo Strasser. Picture: David Swift

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Debate has raged for years among music lovers about which is the best cello concerto of the lot, and the favourite candidate would have to be Dvorak’s – Brahms thought so much of it that he told the Czech composer that if he had known one could be written like that he would have written one himself.

And having heard German virtuoso Daniel Muller-Schott tackle this glorious work with Sydney Symphony Orchestra debutant conductor, Brazilian sensation Eduardo Strasser, I would have to agree. This was a performance from the top shelf by a cellist who is no stranger to audiences here, having performed with both the SSO and Australian Chamber Orchestra.

His technique is smooth and faultless and his expressive style of playing is perfect for the memorable melodies of Dvorak.

Strasser – young, lithe and powerful on the rostrum – kept the orchestra in perfect accord with the solo in a work which, perhaps than any other cello concerto, is an intimate conversation between soloist and players.

Joshua Batty’s flute and Francesca Celata’s clarinet were both exceptional for their contributions, and guest horn principal Daniel Curzon from the UK was a standout in his solo in the first movement.

The slow middle movement was exquisitely played by Muller-Schott, who received loud cheers as he walked to the stage, engagingly acknowledged them with a bump fist. He was also generous with his applause of the SSO, pointing and tapping his bow to all the principals as they took their ovations.

Earlier Strasser showed why he has made such an impression throughout the world with an exhilarating reading of selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

There was plenty of nuance here, as well as gusto and flair for the big moments, including the tuba-thumping signature tune, Dance of the Knights.

Not to be missed.

The concert is repeated at Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Saturday, October 29, at 2pm.

DETAILS

• CONCERT Sydney Symphony Orchestra: Daniel Muller-Schott performs Dvorak

• WHERE Sydney Opera House

• WHEN Friday, October 28