Andris Nelsons
Front and center was Andris Nelsons, who, interpretively, seemed more than happy to try on a bunch of different hats.
The intellectual and emotional intelligence of the docket stands as a conspicuous example of exemplary programmatic creativity.
It is unlikely that any other BSO concert this year will top Thursday night’s performance of Richard Strauss’s opera Der Rosenkavalier.
No doubt many in Saturday’s well-dressed crowd came for the opportunity to hear that most appropriate of gala pianists, Lang Lang.
That Shostakovich left such a musical testament is, in its own way, miraculous; and it continues to speak to us with immediacy and power.
Three superb albums: two focusing on works by Brahms, one featuring Hans Abrahamsen’s meditation on Shakespeare’s Ophelia.
There’s an apparent level of trust between the BSO and its leader, best demonstrated by the spirited excellence of the orchestra’s playing of late.
Saturday’s performance revealed the BSO to be at the top of its collective game, totally locked in, and fully responsive to Andris Nelsons’ leading.
Commentary: Top Classical Recordings of 2016
I make no claims to have listened to everything released in 2016; here are my picks for the top classical recordings of the year.
Read More about Commentary: Top Classical Recordings of 2016