The Flying Inkpot
Inkpot # 84 Classical Music Reviews
(Review Excerpt)
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Prodigy Series
October 16th, 1999
Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore
Saint-Saëns Cello Concert No. 1, in A minor, op. 33
"Technically she is sound, with very fine articulation. Her sense of
vibrato was also natural and tasteful, particularly nice in slow
lyrical passages… her cello demonstrated a particularly pleasant middle
range, with balanced body, tone, weight and colour. Not too sumptuous,
just right for this music.
But above all, Ms. Law's obvious commitment to the music gives a sense
of safety to her performance, with not a hint of doubt at any point.
She captured the "middle" -Romantic tone of the French composer while
maintaining the light careful architecture of the writing. Even her
trills, showcased in the "second movement", were detailed and fluid.
Whereas Saint-Saëns's style has always been credited with being less
than truly Romantic, Ms. Law raised this music to a much more heartfelt
level - there was something almost Elgarian about it. The final
"movement" in particular saw some lyrically passionate playing, which
nevertheless never overstepped into overindulgence. For making such a
great case for this not-exactly-mainstream concerto, Ms. Law deserves
praise.
The SSO's accompaniment was excellent, light yet with Beethovenian
strength. Even better is the example of the "second movement", where
the orchestra opens with a very delicate idea. The combination of their
snowflake delicacy, Ms. Law's very beautiful solo as well as the
conductor's light-handed control created a most lyrical picture."
-Chia Han-Leon