Harth-Bedoya Makes Familiar Seem New

Music inspired by Spain but written by French composers comprised the Tuesday program at the Hollywood Bowl, led by the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s associate conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya.

The agenda is not hard to imagine--Chabrier’s “Espana,” the “Symphonie Espagnole” by Lalo, and three pieces by Ravel, ending with “Bolero”--and the orchestra’s performances emerged clean, bright and motivated. All the first-desk soloists of the ensemble contributed strongly through the length of this exposing and familiar music. We have come to take for granted the players’ high quality, yet it can still be breathtaking to hear.

Harth-Bedoya’s energetic leadership naturally emphasizes the outward brilliance of these pieces, but he carefully tends to nuances and dynamic contrasts. He showed admirable control in “Bolero,” letting it build by increments from the practically inaudible to its shattering, but this time not raucous, conclusion. When the work is this well played, one is happy to hear it again and again, and indeed, it appears on Harth-Bedoya’s Bowl program to be played on the weekend.

The colors, hues and musical specifics in “Rapsodie Espagnole” also achieved their full range under the conductor’s careful hand; the orchestra’s reading virtually glowed. The detailing in “Alborada del Gracioso” was less thoroughly gauged, though one reveled in the mournful mood accomplished by bassoonist Alan Goodman’s in the central section.

Violinist Christian Tetzlaff’s appearance at mid-program netted a technically immaculate but finally diffident performance of the “Symphonie Espagnole.” It’s a powerful and thrilling showpiece but it needs conviction to make it live. Tetzlaff’s mechanical achievement is wonderful, yet this reading fell short in affection, intensity and songfulness.

Harth-Bedoya conducts the L.A. Philharmonic in a different program tonight and on Friday and Saturday leads the orchestra in “A Latin Festival,” Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Tonight: $5-$75. Friday-Saturday: $3-$100. (323) 850-2000.