Bamert Takes Command of Beethoven

Matthias Bamert, returning to the Hollywood Bowl and the podium of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, began a week of Beethoven concerts Tuesday night with the Ninth Symphony. The performance, with the Pacific Chorale and four vocal soloists joining the Philharmonic, was solid and engaging.

The Swiss conductor’s approach to the massive work--the single piece on this program, after a no-nonsense, aggressive “Star-Spangled Banner”--proved moderated and detailed; the orchestra, throughout, and the visiting chorale, in the finale, were well-prepared and tightly in sync. The disparate and contradictory elements in this musical fantasy were made orderly and sensible.

The formidable opening movement was accorded its true weight and seriousness; in the Scherzo the playing was virtually immaculate. The great slow movement lacked nothing in lyric flow and dramatic pacing; Bamert is a gentle autocrat on the podium, enforcing order and instrumental balances without overemphasizing them. The orchestra played with care and affection, and its principals, in particular horn player William Lane, contributed glowing solo moments.

Long before the world-changing cataclysms and climaxes of the landmark final movement, then, Bamert’s reading inspired admiration. At that point, he rather hastily pushed the entrance--surprising some in the orchestra and many in the audience. Still, he crowned this performance with suitable authority.

Three of the vocal soloists--Kelley Nassief, Gordon Gietz and Raymond Aceto--were making their debut appearances with the orchestra; mezzo-soprano Marietta Simpson had sung the Ninth at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in October. All four contributed well to the total performance, and they also worked as a viable quartet.

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The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Matthias Bamert, continues its Beethoven week tonight at 8 at the Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. $1 to $85. (323) 850-2000. Eri Klas conducts the Beethoven Spectacular at the Bowl, Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. $5 to $75.