KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — You never quite know what to expect at an Igudesman & Joo concert.
Imagine a mash-up of American folk classic Yankee Doodle and Mozart’s A Little Night Music or Johann Strauss’ Vienna Waltz which rapidly changes into Oh My Darling, Clementine.
Ever imagine how Brahms, Schönberg and Mozart would interpret Nokia’s classic ringtone?
It takes some serious skills and guts to jazz up some of the most iconic and beloved tunes as discovered on Friday night.
The duo was back in Malaysia for the third time at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) and this was their second performance alongside the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO).
Known for mixing up comedy, classical music and popular culture, the musical stylings of Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-ki Joo of A Little Nightmare Music fame may sound like a purist’s nightmare — it is anything but.
In fact, you’d have to be incredibly clever and have a solid understanding of classical music to marry two polarising concepts without being called campy. As they say, you have to know the rules to break the rules.
Classical enthusiasts will appreciate how their favourite pieces are given a twist, not knowing which note will suddenly transition into a recognisable non-classical piece.
Novices will undoubtedly be at their most relaxed with a concert of this nature, removing any hint of intimidation or nerves. If there is anyone who can convert a classical skeptic, our money is on these guys.
Though the duo – who have known each other since they were 12 – takes turns as conductor and soloists, they are their strongest when sharing the stage thanks an undeniable chemistry.
For regular MPO goers, it was a rare chance to see the philharmonic’s musicians let their hair down (quite literally at one point), dancing on stage to the theme of Zorba the Greek and moving in slow motion to Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire. One musician even had beach shorts on.
After two hours of non-stop antics and side-splitting performances, the Yehudi Menuhin alumni prove that classical music has a funny side and the laughs are endless if one is prepared to go along for the ride.
Should the duo return for their fourth showcase, this is one performance you wouldn’t want to miss.
