The 2025 Proms Approach Their Climactic Phases
The Proms of 2025 are gearing up for their grand finale, ushering in a series of performances by internationally renowned orchestras. This week, we welcome the Leipzig Gewandhaus and the Melbourne Symphony. However, the spotlight this past weekend was firmly on the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra from Amsterdam. These performances were particularly special not just because of the orchestra’s acclaim, but also due to the involvement of Klaus Mäkelä, who is set to become the chief conductor of the RCO in 2027 and is currently a celebrated figure in the global music scene.
Evaluating the synergy between Mäkelä and the RCO is challenging simply because of the high caliber of the orchestra. Known for its rich, precise string section and exceptional wind instruments, the RCO’s quality is akin to that of a premier league sports team. This was evident as the principal players from the first night’s concert, which featured pieces by Berio and Mahler, were rotated for the second performance that included works by Mozart, Prokofiev, and Bartók.
Stellar Performances Under Mäkelä’s Baton
Mäkelä, a standout figure himself, attracted a full house. At only 29, he led the orchestra through two major works: Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, alongside a captivating encore of Kodály. While the performances were undeniably exquisite, it was the intricate instrumental execution that truly shone, rather than the overall interpretation of the pieces. Mäkelä’s approach to the Mahler piece lacked a cohesive symphonic structure, and his rendition of Bartók seemed to focus more on the flamboyant aspects of the work rather than the underlying themes of isolation and melancholy.
Mahler’s influence runs deep in the RCO, with the composer himself having conducted the orchestra in the past. Mäkelä’s dynamic direction diverged significantly from the more deliberate styles of Bernard Haitink’s legendary Mahler performances in Amsterdam, or even Mark Elder’s intellectual approach at last year’s Proms. The performance started with a masterfully played trumpet call and featured remarkable wind solos and subtle string sections, especially in the tender phrases of the Adagietto and the vigorous finale of the rondo.
Notable Performances and Premieres
Interestingly, Luciano Berio’s Rendering, which was played before the Mahler symphony, was particularly well-received. This piece creatively interweaves Schubert’s unfinished symphonic drafts with Berio’s innovative 20th-century style, resulting in a refreshing exploration of classical and contemporary motifs. The performance left a lasting impression, proving the ensemble’s ability to blend and transform classical scores into something uniquely engaging.
The following day saw Janine Jansen tackle Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto, delivering a technically brilliant and emotionally potent performance. Mäkelä and the RCO supported her with a subtle yet precise accompaniment, enhancing the overall impact of the piece.
The second concert began with Mäkelä conducting a beautifully executed Mozart symphony, the “Paris” in D major, a piece that has become increasingly rare at the Proms in recent years.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
