“Philharmonia Orchestra reveals unexpected connections” (FT.com)
04 Mar 2017
“Spanish conductor Pablo Heras-Casado planned a first half that would evoke his homeland, starting with Ravel, the Frenchman who depicted Spain as vividly as anybody. His Alborada del gracioso, played with bold colours, was paired with Falla’s Noches en los jardines de España, Javier Perianes the idiomatic solo pianist. It might seem a big leap to the Russian fantasy of Stravinsky’s The Firebird, but the near-impressionist soundworld is only a step away. Heras-Casado performed the ballet complete and with its luxuriously huge orchestration. The Philharmonia was on top form, first horn notably distinguished.”