Pianist Andre Watts received a rousing standing ovation after his performance of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Houston Symphony on Friday night. Concert goers popped to their feet almost as soon as Watts hit the last note and the emotional response (and extended applause) was well deserved.
During what was the first of three performances he gave with the Houston Symphony over the weekend, Watts alternately attacked and caressed the piano. The concerto begins with a few notes ringing on the piano; rather than starting quietly and building to a crescendo over the span of the piece, Watts' playing was stirring from the first note. That he was able to reach an even higher crescendo is a testament not only to Watts talent, but conductor Andres Orozco-Estrada's deft handling of the orchestra and his exploration of subtleties in the score. There are moments for the woodwinds to shine (notably clarinetist Thomas LeGrand), which added to the depth of the performance.
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