Sunday, January 08, 2012

Mahler Symphony #9

My first visit to the New York Philharmonic in the new year reminded me why I love New York music. I guess I’m spoiled! On the program was a contemporary work by Thomas Ades - Polaris: Voyage for Orchestra and Mahler’s Symphony #9. The Ades was very approachable considering some contemporary works can be challenging to understand on the first hearing. Dominated by walls of brass and winds and supported by strings and percussion, the piece closely mimicked its title. As the music painted what seemed a journey through the stratosphere, it called for visual representation of some sort. In fact, the program states, “Polaris was conceived for performance with a projected visual work by the film- and video-maker Tal Rosner. The work has been given with projections arranged in different ways, but it is also written so that it can be presented as a purely musical piece.”

I love Mahler symphonies, but I must say that the Symphony #9 has not been one of my favorites. This is the first time I’ve heard the Ninth live, and now I know why it hasn’t been high on my favorite Mahler. Particularly in the final movement - Mahler’s final movement of his final symphony before he passed on - has some incredibly soft passages. These do not come off as well on a recording as they do in a live concert hall. The orchestra’s sensitive playing, particularly in the final movement resulted in a rather awkward Bravo! from an enthusiastic audience member at the conclusion. I agree, the performance was quite special. And I have a much deeper appreciation for Mahler’s final symphony.

I’ve seen the orchestra several times this year, most often under conductors other than Musical Director Alan Gilbert. New York audiences do love their orchestra and its music director, Mr. Gilbert. This appreciation is evidenced by rousing applause, particularly when Mr. Gilbert takes the stage. In his third year (and my third year as a subscriber), Mr. Gilbert has certainly done some nice work with the orchestra. I’m looking forward to my next visit!

Alan Gilbert on Thomas Ades

Alan Gilbert on Mahler Symphony No. 9

Posted by Randy on 01/08 at 08:58 AM
Orchestra Music • (0) Comments • Permalink

Friday, December 30, 2011

Madama Butterfly

Capping off my Friday visit to New York, after Follies and a very satisfying dinner at Joe Allen, I headed uptown a few block to see the Metropolitan Opera production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. This is probably the most beautiful production I’ve had the opportunity to see at the Met, with high production values throughout from curtain rise to curtain call. And of course the music is beautiful and every single voice could have sung all night. Even sitting up in the Family Circle, I enjoyed the production a great deal, so much that I’ve ordered the Live in HD DVD. It was the perfect end to a great day in New York!

Posted by Randy on 12/30 at 04:31 PM
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Follies

I had the opportunity to revisit the latest Sondheim revival, Follies, on a very please New York day. I had seen the show for the first time earlier in the fall, but had since acquired the cast recording and wanted to revisit it for the final time before it closes in January 2012. The score is chock full of memorable show tunes and a thoughtful book.

I must say I do enjoy revisiting a good show. There are so many angles to approach the show - music, book, production values, etc. Favorites for me: Performances by Elaine Paige (I’m Still Here), Terri White (Who’s That Woman) and Jayne Houdyshell (Broadway Baby). I also love the Jonathan Tunick orchestrations.

Posted by Randy on 12/30 at 04:13 PM
Musical Theatre • (0) Comments • Permalink
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