From his first straightforward passage, the pianist played with a declarative directness. The statement and development of the opening movement’s themes were suave, even self-effacing, before turning clamorous and ferocious.
Brahms’ Concerto with the San Francisco Symphony19 Sep 2026
“With Garrick Ohlsson as soloist, Brahms’ Concerto occupied the second half of the program. From his first straightforward passage, the pianist played with a declarative directness. The statement and development of the opening movement’s themes were suave, even self-effacing, before turning clamorous and ferocious.
His double-octave forays up and down the keyboard hit their mark. Tremolos clattered like fire alarms. Filigreed light runs floated airily. At 78, the tall, stolid Ohlsson hasn’t lost a step.
The technical mastery continued in the slow movement, with a descending run of Brahms’ beautiful, melting harmonies. The Rondo got off to an energizing start, marked by Ohlsson’s scintillating runs and purposeful momentum.”