Review | Lang Lang and Tarmo Peltokoski pack a punch in concert that pushes HK Phil’s limits
HK Phil’s music director designate expertly controlled an embellished orchestra as the Chinese piano star enchanted in a night of huge sound
As far as concert openers go, some say the bigger the better.
When it boiled down to a choice between Salonen’s portrayal of the eccentric Castor and his immortal, non-identical twin Pollux from Greco-Roman mythology, it was the former and far more extroverted brother that “got the gig” this time. (Pollux will get his turn in July 2026).
Hyperactivity prevailed for the most part in Castor, which saw a significantly embellished HK Phil – including two sets of timpani, a celesta doubling piano, and a harp – seemingly stretched to their dynamic limit and the extremities of their registers.
Relishing Salonen’s score and its inherent wildness, Peltokoski never held back as he steered the frenetic activity with skill and kept a tight rein on the top-notch orchestral virtuosity.