Richard-Pittman
Uri Caine’s score about the life and murder of a 19th-century civil rights icon is direct and potent; touching documentation of Richard Pittman’s advocacy for the inventive composer Bernard Hoffer and a demonstration of the sheer musical excellence of Boston Musica Viva; Igor Levit’s keyboard playing is dynamic, precisely articulated, vividly felt, and beautifully voiced.
Richard Pittman led the core players of BMV in a confident, evocative reading of the music.
Musically, everything clicked in Boston Musica Viva’s annual Family Concert.
There aren’t too many ensembles around that consistently remind us how fresh, rich, diverse, and thought-provoking contemporary can be.
Sunday’s concert was highlighted by the world premiere of Bernard Hoffer’s ballet after Longfellow’s Paul Revere’s Ride.
Quibbles about some characteristics of the new pieces aside, hats off to Richard Pittman and the New England Philharmonic for daring to present a program like this..
To my mind, with Assembly of the Souls, composer Eitan Steinberg is working in Pulitzer contention territory.
Boston Musica Viva presented an invigorating (if early) conclusion to the season, providing an ear-catching snapshot of chamber music written in the last thirty-plus years.
Music Commentary: New England Philharmonic at 40
Whatever challenges there may be, the enthusiasm of the New England Philharmonic’s leadership is infectious.
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