The memorable opening bars of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3 are relatively easy to play. The rest of the concerto is mostly a bear, because of its length, the difficulty of its capricious material and chords that are so dense and wide that only the most special hands can conquer them.
The pianist who takes on this piece better have stamina, concentration and skill.
Terrence Wilson, who soloed in Rach 3 yesterday with the Winston-Salem Symphony at the Stevens Center, is one such pianist.
He starred in a program called "The Symphony Shines," which also featured Christopher Theofanidis' Rainbow Body and the Suite from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, in which several symphony players put in fine work as soloists.
Robert Moody conducted, beginning his fifth season as the symphony's music director.
Wilson did all the right things, responding to the work's athleticism, exposing its struggles and letting its sunnier moments shine. Moody led a well-coordinated performance in which the orchestra's players shined as well. They and Wilson helped remind us of why Rach 3's ending is among the most exciting and satisfying in the concerto repertoire.
Rainbow Body is inspired by the music of Hildegard von Bingen and Tibetan Buddhist belief. Several years ago, an NPR story on Body likened the work's effects to those of a piano's pedal and the reverberations of music played in a cathedral setting. These were somewhat apparent yesterday, but rousing brass fanfares and dynamic string playing stole the show.
In an unusual twist, both the musicians and the patrons accentuated Body's more climactic moments with shouts of hurrah -- mimicking a practice at some concerts in London. This was a fun, rousing way to start the symphony season.
kkeuffel@wsjournal.com 727-7337
Yesterday's program by the Winston-Salem Symphony will be repeated at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Stevens Center. Call 721-1945 for tickets.
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