Andris Nelsons
Conducting Lumina, Andris Nelsons was entirely in his element, capably drawing out the music’s shimmering gestures — string flourishes, brass fanfares, woodwind filigrees, and the like – from a locked-in BSO.
As good an interpreter of large-scale forms as he’s becoming, Andris Nelsons has always been a terrific conductor of new music.
Andris Nelsons presided over an interpretation of Mahler’s Symphony #2 that was both tightly controlled and emotionally cathartic.
Nearly three decades after he left us, Bernstein’s music seems to be in good hands and anything but forgotten. And his larger musical influence strongly endures.
Four new albums: the standouts include the finest Andris Nelsons/BSO Shostakovich collaboration to date and the Neave Trio’s wonderful new French Moments.
Andrew Manze and the RLPO have turned in one of the year’s great albums: potent, lyrical, haunting, and timely.
Variations and fugues are the overriding themes of pianist/composer Michael Brown’s captivating new album. If you’re an Andris Nelsons fan, this Deutsche Grammophon album won’t disappoint, and a disc that features three pieces by composer Ferdinand Ries, who was friendly with Beethoven, is worth hearing.
The BSO seems to have taken to heart complaints about its lack of programming diversity, devoting two full programs to underrepresented groups.
Despite Shostakovich’s often-dissonant approach, the Fourteenth has always been highly-regarded if infrequently-played.
Arts Commentary: The Boston Symphony’s 2019-20 Season Announcement
The fact is, the BSO’s 2019-20 season doesn’t risk enough and lacks a true spirit of adventure.
Read More about Arts Commentary: The Boston Symphony’s 2019-20 Season Announcement