During the period my desktop was down, I did attend a few concerts but, for the first time since the inception of this Blog, failed to write about them in timely fashion. "Reviews" so much later are admittedly only for personal archival purposes, but here they are, with the most recent first:
August 23, Cultural Center Concert HallAsian Youth Orchestra - James Judd - Steve Isserlis
Weber: Overture to Der Freischütz
Dvorak: Cello Concert in b minor
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
No question about it: this iteration of the AYO was a lot better than last year's crop. The concertmaster was sensational and led strongly despite divided violins. The woodwinds were strong and blended well. The horns and brass played confidently and were much better than last year's struggling souls (which included conductor Judd in Mahler). Concert opened with a detailed and joyful Der Freischutz overture.
Steve Isserlis played fastidiously in the Dvorak Cello Concerto (he played this earlier this year with the HKPO, but I was not there), but his projection was on the small side of the scale. The symphonic orchestral part was delivered cogently by Judd. A tight partnership.
The woodwinds shone in the Sibelius Second (and they must for the symphony to sing), which received a well-shaped performance under Judd. Despite a degree of inevitable restraint, the performance must be counted a success.
Interestingly, the same AYO concert in Singapore was reviewed in this Blog.It seems to me the concert I attended was much better played, and I did enjoy it!
photo from NY TimesApril 19, Carnegie Hall
Staatskapelle Dresden - Christian Thielemann
Bruckner Symphony No. 8
My only concert in NYC. I'd refer you to the dependable NY Times review. I was glad I finally caught up with this great orchestra. I had pretty much made acquaintance of all the great European orchestras (usually in Carnegie Hall) before the iron curtain came down, but had to wait till this year for the Staatskapelle. I have to say the wait was worthwhile.
Based on his recordings for DG, Thielemann has long divided critical opinion. I have followed him for a long time and think he is going from strength to strength. Many of his live video performances are wonderful. In the Bruckner Eighth, he showed strength and patience, and sense of overall structure. I hope to catch up with him soon.
March 8, Shenzhen Concert HallShenzhen Symphony Orchestra - Christian Ehwald - Martina Ruping
Schubert Symphony No. 5 / Mahler Symphony No. 4
This very very fine concert began with a fluent reading of Schubert's Smphony No. 5, not seldom heard but rarely enticing. This was expected of Ehwald, whose greatest strength is his fine sense of line and scale.
Fluency is a word that could be equally applied to the Mahler. But it was considerably more. Aided by the fine acoustics, this was simply the most refined and detailed Mahler Fourth I have heard. The playing, especially the wonderful woodwinds and percussion, could not be faulted.
For once, the soloist was PERFECT! Soprano Martina Ruping had complete command of her material, child-like and beautifully nuanced. What an ending!
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