Haefliger Delivers Bravura Beethoven

Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto offers two differing aspects: the dramatic and potent voice that will emerge more clearly in his middle and late periods and the gentler, lyric personality of his earliest compositional style.

Andreas Haefliger, returning to the Hollywood Bowl to play the beloved C-minor work Thursday night, defined both aspects in a memorable, genuinely stunning performance, aided splendidly by conductor Matthias Bamert and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Not since the heydays of Rudolf Serkin and Alicia de Larrocha can one remember so exhaustive and thorough a reading of this familiar piece. With abundant, resourceful technique and a tone consistently clear, golden, bright and mellow, Haefliger set a standard, making music of compelling beauty and forceful continuity. His passagework--scales, arpeggios, runs--and single held notes turned into objects of art.

This second Beethoven program of the week did not disappoint in its outer portions, either. At the beginning, Bamert--a Swiss musician, as is Haefliger--brought the requisite seriousness and clarifications to the “Egmont” Overture, and to close, the right combination of literalness and power to the Fifth Symphony, most handsomely played by the Philharmonic.

This Beethoven week ends with the now traditional “Beethoven Spectacular,” played by the L.A. Philharmonic, conducted by Eri Klas, and with pianist Norman Krieger as soloist in the Choral Fantasy. Fireworks and a staged battle accompany the final piece, “Wellington’s Victory,” Opus 91.

“Beethoven Spectacular,” at Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, at 8:30 p.m. $5-$75. (323) 850-2000.