MUSIC REVIEW : Semkow, Bronfman at Bowl

The visiting Pittsburgh Symphony had its second leader in as many nights. Thursday at Hollywood Bowl, Polish conductor Jerzy Semkow was on the podium in his local debut, succeeding another Polish-born musician, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, who had conducted the orchestra Tuesday and Wednesday.

Signs of underrehearsal abounded early in the evening, though conductor and orchestra reportedly played this program together recently. Semkow wields an unusually long baton in jerky motions that often seem to follow rather than lead the music, although the Bowl distances can create discrepancies between sight and sound for the more remote observers.

In any case, Mozart’s Overture to “Die Zauberflote” seemed hesitant at times. There was also a moment when the players seemed to misread Semkow’s intentions and began a section too fast.

Despite the stiff appearances, Semkow favored a rather elastic approach to Mozart, which produced appreciable grace and vitality in the “Linz” Symphony, K.425. A blunt, slightly pushy account of the slow movement aside--the only movement in which Semkow did not honor the repeat--his was an affectionate reading, ably supported by the suitably reduced orchestra.

After intermission, Semkow and the full band turned to Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto, with Yefim Bronfman at the keyboard. That is certainly a work to take the measure of both soloist and accompanists, and none were found wanting in a clearheaded, vigorously urged performance.

Bronfman’s ideas proved relatively conventional, though obviously sincerely stated. A few clinkers and moments of disagreement with Semkow did little to undermine either the sensitive attention to nuance or the purposeful sweep of Bronfman’s playing.

Semkow and the Pittsburgh Symphony provided an equally forthright, supportive framework for their soloist’s activities. The orchestra displayed a nice uniformity of articulation, particularly within the strings, and a substantial, balanced sonic presence.

Attendance: 8,035.