Temirkanov Leads Philharmonic in an Elegant Russian Program

First of the 20 guest conductors to step up to the podium of the Los Angeles Philharmonic during music director Esa-Pekka Salonen’s year off, Yuri Temirkanov arrived Wednesday night with a jaunty attitude and youthful energy. Magnetic if sometimes inconsistent in the past, the 60-year-old Russian this time led an elegant pops program with that mastery of musical form and probing detail characteristic of his most inspired efforts.

The Philharmonic for its part seemed to give Temirkanov whatever he wanted in terms of color, dynamics and the soaring statement. The ensemble performed up to its highest standard.

And why not? This Russian program, consisting of two tone poems by Liadov--”The Enchanted Lake” and “Kikimora”--the ubiquitous Second Piano Concerto of Rachmaninoff and Ravel’s orchestration of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” was designed to show off the orchestra’s accomplishment and virtuosity. With Temirkanov leading the way, it did as much.

As a result, enthusiasm ran high in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion after each work, but especially after Andre Watts’ virtually definitive re-creation of the C-minor Piano Concerto, which reinstated all the Romantic eloquence--the nobility and sensuousness--in that over-familiar score.

Understated yet overflowing with feeling, the technical fireworks under tight control yet in every moment spontaneous and articulate, Watts’ playing was both heartfelt and, given the material, surprising.

For the many revelations in “Pictures,” one must credit arranger Ravel’s inspired meddling with the score and recent acoustical refurbishments to the Pavilion, as well as Temirkanov’s careful but sweeping leadership. Among several outstanding orchestral soloists here and in the concerto were hornist Jerry Folsom, clarinetist Michele Zukovsky and trumpeter James Thompson.

* The L.A. Philharmonic, under Yuri Temirkanov, and with piano soloist Andre Watts, repeats this program Sunday, 2:30 p.m., at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave. (323) 850-2000. $10-$70.