The Sound Post » Alan Gilbert

Newsweek: Classical Music’s Version of Dodgers vs. Yankees: A Youthquake Hits Both Coasts

Colin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:32:44 +0000

Before the Dodgers relinquished their chance at the Series, Newsweek featured an article capitalizing on the potential bi-coastal competition and profiled the two conductors who recently claimed their coasts: Alan Gilbert and Gustavo Dudamel. Author Seth Colter Walls asserts that the LA and NY Philharmonics are not in competition, but instead share the goal of bringing conductors’ names into American—even international—homes.

Citing that both conductors have already commissioned and premiered works by well known composers, Walls indicates the pair intend to, and are capable of renewing interest in new music and bringing young audiences to concert halls. Click to read the Newsweek article containing the words “buttress” and “contemporaneity.”

Gilbert’s Trip to Cuba Squashed by State Gov

Ian — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:17:05 +0000

I don’t even know what to say about this one. My understanding of the situation is still somewhat unclear. Apparently, Alan Gilbert, the New York Philharmonic, and “patrons” of the orchestra were scheduled to take a trip to Cuba next month. Notice that little detail at the end?

While the State Department was fine with the newly appointed Maestro and his ensemble making the trip, they were not too excited about 150 wealthy New Yorkers going on a vacation which ordinary U.S. Citizens are not allowed to make.

With the exception of the New York Times (which may or may not have helped propel Gilbert into the driver’s seat in a similar fashion to Sir Simon Rattle’s rise with the Berlin Philharmonic), Gilbert’s opening night performance was met with less than stellar reviews. While the Times praised the rhythmic integrity of his performance, most others called him unenthusiastic and “lacking in charisma”.

As a native New Yorker, I love Alan Gilbert. I found his performance of John Adams’s Dr. Atomic last year to be top-notch, and I am looking forward to more performances. But I cannot help feel that this has somehow done a disservice to his image.

What do you think? Should Gilbert be held responsible for this? Or should the finger-pointing go more in the direction of the orchestra’s president, Zarin Mehta, who last year collected a salary of $850,000, and after other “extras” racked in a grand $2.7 million. My only question is, did they really expect to get away with this?

Source: Bloomberg

Gilbert Leads NY Phil as Music Director

Colin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:45:10 +0000

Alan Gilbert reigned over the New York Philharmonic tonight for the first time as music director. Hosted by actor Alec Baldwin, the televised broadcast “Live from Lincoln Center” allowed millions to watch not only the NY Phil’s opening night, but its venture into a new era of leadership. Gilbert is not only the youngest-appointed music director, but also the first native New Yorker to hold the position.

The program began with the world premier of EXPO by Magnus Lindberg, the Phil’s composer-in-residence until 2011. Lindberg wrote the work knowing it would open the milestone season—the Phil’s 50th at Avery Fisher Hall.

EXPO was followed by Songs pour Mi—a song cycle by Olivier Messiaen. Sung by Renée Fleming, the song cycle is a portrait of Messiaen’s love for his wife, Claire Delbos, who he nicknamed Mi. Those watching the televised broadcast saw Fleming introduce the cycle with a pre-recorded speech, which outlined Messiaen’s relationship from his marriage to Delbos at 27 years old, to her institutionalization due to mental illness after the end of World War II.

Finally, the headlining work of the night was Symphony No. 1—or the Fantastic Symphony—by Hector Berlioz. Written only three years after Beethoven’s death, the work facilitated the exodus into Romanticism, as it’s massive orchestration and lush expression brought unrestricted emotive composition into the musical world. The work is programmatic—that is, it possesses a narrative—with notes written by Berlioz himself. Each of the five movements has a descriptive title, including the famous March to the Scaffold and Dream of a Witch’s Sabbath. As described by Berlioz, the piece tells the story of “an artist gifted with a lively imagination” who has “poisoned himself with opium” in the “depths of despair” out of “hopeless love.”

Alan Gilbert Opens NY Phil on Wednesday

Colin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:31:59 +0000

On Wednesday night, conductor Alan Gilbert will put on his music director’s shoes as he takes the podium in Avery Fisher Hall—a step up which marks a new era in the New York Philharmonic. The maestro will lead a performance of ~~Mahler’s third symphony~~ EXPO by Magnus Lindberg, Songs Pour Mi by Oliver Messiaen, and Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique. While great expectations lie on Mr. Gilbert’s baton, one hopes the orchestra will take the opportunity to embrace its new leader, a fresh outlook, and renewed vigor.

Here is a great interview with Gilbert by Martin Steinberg (AP).