If you went attended this past weekend's concerts by the Madison Symphony Orchestra, you heard one of the greatest interpretations of Tchaikovky's popular "Pathetique" Symphony you will ever hear.

It was passionate and profound without being sentimental or sappy.

It was conducted by guest Russian conductor (and violin virtuoso) Vladimir Spivakov (at left).

Clearly, members of the orchestra connected with the string-playing maestro, who has the reputation of being a hard but likeable and even charming taskmaster.

Spivakov kept the reading of the arch-Romantic up tempo.

He skipped pauses between movements, which I would like to see done more often with both symphonic works and solo or chamber music works. It is unifying and musically satisfying, and helps cut out audience noise and distractions.

And finally, he got the orchestra to play extremely tightly and responsively.

My only criticism came in the dazzling Piano Concerto no. 3 by Prokofiev with soloist Yefim Bronfman (at below right), a specalist in Prokofiev who has recorded all the concertos and solo sonatas.

During the concert the balance seemed out of whack for a piece that is supposed to showcase the piano with its fast passage works, octaves and scales.

My ears told me the orchestra was playing a level or two too loudly, so that forte became fortissimo.

But there was disagreement.

One discerning listener agreed with me.

But another discerning listener at the same performance said Bronfman seemed to be holding back.

Which sure didn't look to be the case when he was playing.

So: You be the referee.

You be the critic.

Those of you who heard the concert, please tell me:

Was the pianist too soft?

Or was the orchestra too loud?

And what did you think of the rest of the concert including that brassy "Festival Overture" by Shostakovich that one would never guess is by Shostakovich?

What a way to end the current MSO season and create excitement for the next season, no?

Anyway, let Art Talk know what you think?

And whether you'd like to see Spivakov and Bronfman return again soon.