Andris Nelsons is joined by countertenor Bejun Mehta and the Boston-based Lorelei Ensemble in the BSO's first performances of esteemed English composer George Benjamin's Dream of the Song, commissioned by the BSO for the 75th anniversary of the Tanglewood Music Center. Opening the program is Ravel's colorful orchestral version of his solo piano suite Le Tombeau de Couperin, inspired in part by the French Baroque composer François Couperin. Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, his first masterpiece, is innovative in form, remarkably forward-thinking in its use of the orchestra, and quintessentially Romantic in its depiction of an artist's unrequited love.(Some emphasis added.)
I had a ticket for Thursday's concert, but management, in an excess of caution, cancelled the performance because of the weather which they hardly ever do. In any case, I can't tell you anything about it. The Boston Globe has a favorable review with an interesting description of the Benjamin piece. The reviewer liked the Berlioz and notes some unusual placement of instruments. Unfortunately, the Ravel wasn't played on Friday, so even this review can't tell us how it was done. Presumably they won't ruin it tonight. So far, the Boston Musical Intelligencer hasn't published a review.
You can hear for yourself and form you own opinion. WCRB will broadcast it over 99.5 FM and stream it over the internet at 8:00 p.m., Boston Time, and presumably give a rerun on February 20, also at 8:00 p.m, and then make it available for on demand listening. Their website contains other material, including a link to their podcast "The Answered Question," which has an interview about this evening's program.
Happy listening.
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