BSO — 2022/04/02

 This evening the BSO is back live, performing the "War Requiem" by Benjamin Britten. Here's how WCRB describes it:

Saturday, April 2, and Monday, April 11, 2022
8:00 PM

Tonight at 8, Antonio Pappano conducts the BSO in Britten’s mighty "War Requiem," with a cast of singers, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and the Boston Symphony Children’s Choir.

Sir Antonio Pappano, conductor

Amanda Majeski, soprano
Ian Bostridge, tenor
Matthias Goerne, baritone
Tanglewood Festival Chorus and Boston Symphony Children’s Choir
James Burton, conductor

Benjamin BRITTEN War Requiem

To hear a preview of War Requiem with Antonio Pappano, use the player above.

TRANSCRIPT:

Brian McCreath I'm Brian McCreath at Symphony Hall with Antonio Pappano, and Mr. Pappano, it is so good to have you here. It's been a little while since you've been to the Boston Symphony, though more recently with your orchestra, Santa Cecilia, just about five years ago here at the hall. It's good to have you back.

Antonio Pappano Thank you very much. I'm thrilled to be back.

Brian McCreath Well, this piece, the War Requiem by Britten, you know, I'm curious about the circumstances and the thoughts behind it as you originally programmed it

As you see, there is an interview with the conductor, with a link to the audio recording of it as well as a transcript if you go to their page.

The BSO's performance page has a link to the program notes, which contain the full text of the piece, which you may want to have available when you listen. There is also a fairly detailed analysis. You can also follow links to performer bios.

I didn't attend the Thursday performance because I felt as if I had a cold coming on, and rain was in the forecast. So I missed the performance of the Ukraqinian national anthem as well as the chance to hear the Requiem live so I can't give you my  own impressions and observations.

The Globe's review is quite favorable. Vance Koven, the musicologist, gives a good analysis of the piece and then praises the performance in the Intelligencer.

Needless to say, I suggest giving this a listen over WCRB this evening and/or April 11, at 8:00 EDT on WCRB.