Again, we would like to thank Steven Stucky and Jeffery Meyer for speaking with us this past week. And thank you to OUR VIEWERS! Thank you so much for spreading the word about The Sound Post. We love you all and will continue to bring you somewhat scholarly articles from the world of classical music everyday. We have a special interview with Sanford Reuning next week. Please send all questions or comments to Ian@soundpostnews.com, or find me on twitter at twitter.com/iansalmon. Video after the jump.
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Posts Tagged ‘Event’
VLOG #1: ICSO Wrap Up
It was late
James Levine Out For 3 Weeks
Lost In Sea of Get Well Soon Cards
James Levine, Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera, was set to conduct the opening concert at Carnegie Hall this season. However, he will not be seen on a podium for the next three weeks, as Maestro Levine will soon undergo back surgery to repair a herniated disk.
Although Levine will miss some high profile performances, such as the first performance of Tosca with The Met, the operation comes at a time when Mr. Levine had already canceled performances due to extreme back pain. According to his doctors, having the surgery will prevent further damage and hopefully allow him to return to his assorted posts quickly and with renewed vigor. Source: NY Times Music.
Exclusive: Interview With Conductor Jeffery Meyer
Johannes Approves
Today’s interview is with Dr. Jeffery Meyer. He is the Director of Orchestras at Ithaca College, Artistic Director of the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic, and Artistic Director of the Water City Chamber Orchestra. Meyer will lead the opening performance of Ithaca College’s 09-10 season tomorrow night, Saturday October 3rd. One of the works on the program is Jeu de Timbres by Steven Stucky, who we interviewed yesterday (see his interview here).
Also scheduled is Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye (Mother Goose Suite), and Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique, op. 14. The concert takes place tomorrow night, Saturday October 3rd, at 8:15pm in Ford Hall, Ithaca College.
Please click on through for the video interview and full written transcript.
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Alan Gilbert Opens NY Phil on Wednesday
New York Times is Skeptical
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).
New Works by Deak and Sinco Performed in New York
After, Deak Hurries Off to Play Maazel’s Final Performance
NEW YORK, NY — Associate Principal Bassist of the New York Philharmonic Jon Deak came forward, applauding, to shake the hands of musicians led by conductor Thomas Carlo Bo after they completed a performance his composition Lad, a Dog (Part II: The Visitor). The work is a one movement piece, performed by two narrators, violin, clarinet, and piano. Originally, the work featured only the three instrumentalists. They were to narrate the text themselves as per directions in the score. Furthermore, it was chamber music—no conductor required. This performance, however, definitely benefited from both the narrators and the conductor. While I never witnessed the chamber music version, I do think the additions improved the effectiveness of the piece. View Full Article »
Two Nights Sold Out—Maazel Conducts Symphony of a Thousand
Grammatical Error in Title Goes Unquestioned
Lorin Maazel’s final performances with the New York Philharmonic span the nights of June 24 – June 27. The program is Mahler’s Symphony No. 8—the Symphony of a Thousand. The June 24 and 26 performances are already sold out, so if you’re debating whether to attend, don’t wait too long. Find the event homepage here.
Lorin Maazel to Conduct His “Farewells” & Sibelius 2
Lorin Maazel will continue his final string of performances with the New York Philharmonic by conducting his own works, Monaco Fanfares, and Farewells, followed by Sibelius’s 2nd Symphony—”arguably his most popular,” says Maazel.
In a video on nyphil.org, Maazel describes his love for Sibelius’s symphonies, and remarks that he did not grow to love the works until he heard Sibelius’s 7th symphony performed by the Berlin Philharmonic.
The performances are tonight, June 18, and Saturday June 20. Click for the video on nyphil.org
Hilary Hahn Rocks New York
Probably Tired After
New York, NY — Hilary Hahn played an elegant yet cerebral set of works by Ysaye, Ives, Brahms, and Bartok at Town Hall in New York City on Sunday June 14, 2009. The concert was part of the Free For All at Town Hall concert series; a free concert series sponsored by various patrons and organized by Twin Lions, Inc.
Ms. Hahn opened with the Ysaye Solo Sonata No. 4—the fourth in a set of six sonatas composed by the Belgian composer Eugene Ysaye. Modeled after the famed six sonatas and partitas written by J.S. Bach, the Ysaye sonatas maximize the versatility of the violin itself, and tax the ability of the performer in both technique and musicianship.
Hahn demonstrated her command over her instrument by delivering a compelling and technically commendable performance. Wielding her signature clear tone, Hahn treated every note with tenderness—from its beginning to its end. In fact, the one time an incoming landing appeared it might bounce, she placed the bow with the same precision that graced the whole performance.
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