Whatever Rachmaninoff’s conflicted feelings about writing symphonies were, there’s nothing ambiguous about the content of his Second Symphony. From start to finish, it’s a marvel of melodic freshness and brilliant instrumentation.
Boston Philharmonic Orchestra
Classical Music Preview: Boston Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2022-23 Season
The season-long celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Benjamin Zander’s debut as a conductor, which gets underway later this month when the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) returns to the stage, doesn’t stint on festive spirit.
Classical Concert Review: Boston Philharmonic Orchestra plays Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8
This was an epic performance of an epic piece, steeped in Brucknerian character.
Concert Review: Lucas Debargue and the Boston Philharmonic at Sanders Theatre
A pianist of real character and refinement – plus a huge career in Europe – Lucas Debargue was on hand to lend his musicianship to a relatively rare outing of Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto no. 2.
Concert Review: Boston Philharmonic plays Beethoven and Rachmaninoff
Violinist Liza Ferschtman and the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra’s account of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto lacked nothing for momentum and spirit.
Concert Review: Boston Philharmonic plays Mozart, Brahms, and Bartók
There was nothing sleepy or commonplace about the ensemble’s performance of favorites by Mozart, Brahms, and Bartók.
Arts Commentary: 2019-20 Classical Music Preview
I’ve compiled a list of twelve concerts (or concert series) that I think will stand among the future season’s highlights.
Concert Music Review: The Boston Philharmonic plays Ives and Mahler
This performance of Ives’ Third was the most welcome entry in the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra’s celebratory season – a beautifully considered, powerfully rendered account of this too-neglected score.
Classical Concert Review: The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Beethoven
Bread-and-butter of the orchestral repertoire though this music may be, there was no complacency to be heard in the orchestra’s playing of it.
Concert Review: Boston Philharmonic plays Ginastera, Ravel, and Strauss
This was a truly great performance, one that fully suited the BPO’s season-long, dual commemorations.