Ensemble Resonanz's Prom Debut: A Distant Interpretation of Mozart

Ensemble Resonanz, a chamber orchestra based at Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie, made its debut at the Proms under the direction of chief guest conductor Riccardo Minasi. The concert featured an all-Mozart program, including the Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola, K364, and the Jupiter Symphony, K551, alongside overtures from The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni. Despite the promising repertoire, the performance failed to resonate with the audience, leaving the music feeling distant and uninvolving. The orchestra, consisting of fewer than 40 players, struggled to fill the vast space of the Royal Albert Hall, but their playing was articulate and cohesive. However, the performance lacked the vibrancy and excitement typically associated with Mozart's works. Minasi's fast tempi and exaggerated transitions disrupted the flow of the music, preventing the orchestra from achieving the revelatory moments that can arise from blending historical techniques with modern instrumentation. The standout moments of the concert came from the soloists in the Sinfonia Concertante. Clara-Jumi Kang's precise violin playing and Timothy Ridout's eloquent viola provided a contrast that was engaging, yet they were constrained by Minasi's strict tempo, particularly in the central Andante. While Minasi's enthusiasm was evident in his interactions with the audience and during the encore, the overall performance did not convey the same level of enjoyment, leaving listeners yearning for a more compelling interpretation of Mozart's masterpieces.