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MUSIC REVIEW

by Suzanne Yanko 12th August, 2008
written by Suzanne Yanko 12th August, 2008
490

Last weekend’s concerts featured a ‘tragic’ work of massive proportions – but it was not the opening item: Schubert’s Fourth Symphony, commonly known as Tragic. Indeed, by comparison with the major offering, Shostakovich’s Symphony No.13 Babi Yar, the Schubert seemed positively light-hearted. The program notes by Yvonne Frindle argued that Schubert never intended to write a Tragic symphony – the name rested almost entirely on the opening – in a minor key and with a particularly dark and powerful introduction. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra certainly conveyed that mood as Oleg Caetani raised his baton to open the concert. As Schubert’s works are more likely to be tinged with melancholy rather than angst (despite the composer’s troubled life and early demise), the depth of emotion in his symphonies can take an audience off guard. But the MSO revelled in the symphony, which at times was reminiscent of Beethoven – even in the second movement, Andante, and the Minuet and Trio, all of which recalled the Schubert of the chamber music and piano works. The final movement, executed with strength and controlled enthusiasm, came across as positively joyous. It was the last time in this concert that such an emotion would be felt. It’s almost as if, in pairing the Schubert with Shostakovich, Caetani posed the question: “You want tragic? I’ll show you real tragedy”. For the five poems by Yevgeny Yevtushenko (translated in 1987 by Andrew Huth) match well with Dmitri Shostakovich’s troubled experience under successive Soviet Regimes. Words and music spell out emotions from savage humour to cynicism to exposure of oppression and cruelty – tragic, indeed. The words are scored for bass-baritone soloist and men’s chorus and the men of the MSO Chorus and the Victorian Opera Chorus impressed, not just with a confident volume of sound but with an authentic sound, singing in the rich Slavic tongue that is Russian. As for Iain Paterson, soloist in an exceptionally demanding role, it would be hard to imagine a better performance than his. I collared him after the concert to ask if he were perhaps not secretly a Russian – Ivan, perhaps – but he assured me in a convincing accent that he was “a true Scot, through and though”! Conductor, orchestra, soloist and chorus took the audience through harrowing images – and some confronting music – with such conviction and professionalism that you could not help but be grateful for the experience. Many concert-goers didn’t stop at just one performance – but went through it all again on a second night. Season Closed

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Events Calendar

35 events found.
  • July 2025

Calendar of Events

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0 events, 30

0 events, 1

1 event, 2

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

Deep listening sessions, hosted by DJ Weary, presenting pristine original vinyl recordings in hi-fidelity sound. A night of celebration and reverence…

$22

3 events, 3

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

"Audacious, Thrilling, Transcendant" Experience the electrifying synergy of Richard Tognetti AO, the visionary Artistic Director of the ACO, and Konstantin Shamray, Australia’s most…

$37.83 – $153
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

Pure Musical Bliss Chief Conductor Jaime Martín presents a joyful program of classical and early romantic treasures. Join us for an…

$20 – $105
8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

1 event, 4

8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

Lizzy Scarlett and Samara Shanino, violin Eugenie Lyons, viola Darcy Gilkerson, cello Maddy Furlans, double bass Pat Jaffe, pianoAfter celebrating the…

$25 – $35

0 events, 8

0 events, 9

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

2 events, 11

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Strength, Vision and Legacy of Yorta Yorta…

$25 – $113
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

SET 1 Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda is back to perform in Melbourne, joined on stage by dear friend and cello…

$22

2 events, 12

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50

1 event, 13

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

1 event, 14

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

2 events, 17

7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

2 events, 18

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

AXIS MUNDI: spectacular sonic imaginations. ELISION presents a major concert of new music followed by a special late night event delivering…

$45 – $55
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

Lilly Yang, flute Rachel Lau, flute Amanda Pang, piano As part of an east coast tour, three Australian National Academy of…

$20 – $30

2 events, 19

2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

0 events, 20

1 event, 21

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

1 event, 22

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

The Spirit of Invention. Vienna, 1785. Johann Friedrich Schink is blown away by a new work featuring the clarinet and basset…

$49 – $153

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

0 events, 25

1 event, 26

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

Homophonic! and The Consort of Melbourne are proud to present the Australian Premiere of 'Moonlite' by Wally Gunn (Music) and Maria…

$35.00 – $49.00

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

Playing the works from their vast back catalogue that have earned the brothers justifiable recognition as Australia’s finest classical guitarists.

$52 – $65

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

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July 2
July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 3
July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4
July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 7
July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 10
July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 11
July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 12
July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 13
July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 14
July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 22
July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 26
July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

  • There are no events on this day.
July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 22
July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 26
July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

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  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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