Tanglewood — 2024/08/09-11

 We can hear three more concerts from Tanglewood this weekend.

First let's see WCRB's summary of tonight's:

Friday, August 9, 2024
8:00 PM

Kirill Gerstein is the soloist in Rachmaninoff’s passionate and technically daunting Piano Concerto No. 3, and Alan Gilbert leads the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Stravinsky’s exhilarating - and timeless - The Rite of Spring.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Alan Gilbert, conductor
Kirill Gerstein, piano

Sergei RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 3
Igor STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring

Learn about Kirill Gerstein's recent release, Music in Time of War.

For further information we turn to the BSO performance detail page:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA 

Boston Symphony Orchestra 
Alan Gilbert, conductor 
Kirill Gerstein, piano

RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 3
-Intermission-
STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring

Fri, Aug 9, 2024, 8:00pm EDT

Although they don't give the usual blurb, the program notes and performer bios are linked.

I think I'll listen to the Red Sox game instead. I'm not really interested in hearing the Rachmaninoff again, and I find the Stravinsky unenjoyable the story as well as the "music." But maybe you're not familiar with them. If so, by all means give a liusten and see what you think. And of course my opinion doesn't matter if you already have your own.

Saturday pairs Stavinsky with Sibelius. Per WCRB:

Saturday, August 10 , 2024
8:00 PM

In her Boston Symphony debut, conductor Dalia Stasevska leads a program that includes Sibelius’s Canzonetta and Symphony No. 5, as well as Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto, with soloist Leila Josefowicz.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Dalia Stasevska, conductor
Leila Josefowicz, violin

Jean SIBELIUS (arr. STRAVINKSY) Canzonetta
Igor STRAVINSKY Violin Concerto
SIBELIUS Symphony No. 5

Here's what the BSO gives us:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA 

Boston Symphony Orchestra 
Dalia Stasevska, conductor 
Leila Josefowicz, violin

SIBELIUS (arr. STRAVINSKY) Canzonetta 
STRAVINSKY Violin Concerto 
-Intermission-
SIBELIUS Symphony No. 5

Dalia Stasevska’s performance is supported in part by the Finlandia Foundation National.

Sat, Aug 10, 2024, 8:00pm EDT

I'm definitely looking forward to hearing the Sibelius symphony. Sibelius and Stravinsky lived at the same time, but Sibelius' music is much more taditional. I dont know the Canzonetta and it will be interestin to hear what it'slike in the hands of Stravinsky. The program note about the violin concerto has me interested to hear it; and of course I'm looking forward to the Sibelius symphony.

Here's WCRB's synopsis of the Sunday concert:

Sunday, August 11, 2024
7:00 PM

Conductor James Gaffigan makes his Boston Symphony debut in a program that includes arias from Mozart’s Idomeneo and The Marriage of Figaro and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with soprano Elena Villalón, as well as Anna Clyne’s Sound and Fury.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
James Gaffigan, conductor
Elena Villalón, soprano

Anna CLYNE Sound and Fury
Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART “Padre, germani, addio!” from Idomeneo
MOZART “Deh vieni, non tardar” from The Marriage of Figaro
Gustav MAHLER Symphony No. 4

 In addition to the links to program notes and performer bios, the BSO's performance detail page gives the basics thus:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA

Boston Symphony Orchestra

James Gaffigan, conductor

Elena Villalón, soprano

          Anna CLYNE Sound and Fury

          MOZART "Padre, germani, addio!" from Idomeneo

          MOZART “Deh vieni, non tardar” from The Marriage of Figaro

          -Intermission-

          MAHLER Symphony No. 4

 This should be good. I'm not sure quite what to expect from the Clyne, but the rest is definitely worth listening to.

Tanglewood — 2024/08/02-04

 It looks as if the BSO is taking a bit of a breather. Tonight's concert was recorded on July 7, and tomorrow's features the Boston Pops (many of whose members are also members of the BSO).

Tonight we get to hear Renée Fleming along with the BSO. Here's the synopsis from WCRB:

Friday, August 2, 2024
8:00 PM

Andris Nelsons leads the Boston Symphony in a full program of dynamic, graceful, and emotionally riveting works by Richard Strauss, including music from Die Frau ohne Schatten and Der Rosenkavalier, starring the world-renowned singer Renée Fleming.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Renée Fleming, soprano
Andris Nelsons, conductor

ALL-STRAUSS program, including
Symphonic Fantasy from Die Frau ohne Schatten, Opus 65

Ständchen, Opus 17, No. 2
Befreit, Opus 39, No. 4
Gesang der Apollopriesterin, Opus 33, No. 2

Träumerei im Kamin (“Dreaming by the Fireside”) from Intermezzo, Opus 72

“Die Zeit, die ist ein sonderbar Ding” and “Da geht er hin” from Der Rosenkavalier, Opus 59

Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, Opus 59

Recorded on Jul 7, 2024.

Back in July, I was puzzled as to why they didn't broadcast this on the day it was performed and it's still a bit surprising that they didn't give us this back then and an "encore broadcast" now. Well, this should be worth listening to anyway.

Here's what we get from the BSO's performance detail page:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA 

Boston Symphony Orchestra 
Andris Nelsons, conductor
Renée Fleming, soprano

ALL-STRAUSS PROGRAM
 

Symphonic Fantasy on Die Frau ohne Schatten
Songs with orchestra
"Träumerei im Kamin" from Intermezzo
“Die Zeit” and “Da geht er hin” from Der Rosenkavalier
Suite from Der Rosenkavalier

Experience the lush and expressive romanticism of Richard Strauss under the summer sky with superstar soprano Renée Fleming, one of the greatest contemporary interpreters of Strauss.

This afternoon's concert is generously supported by Drs. Anna L. and Peter B. Davol.

This afternoon's performance by Renée Fleming is generously supported by the MacKenzie Family, dedicated with deepest gratitude to the outstanding Tanglewood Staff and Volunteers.

I can't find a link to the program notes, but the music should still be pleasant.

Saturday is Film Night. WCRB says:

Saturday, August 3, 2024
8:00 PM

From Hollywood’s Golden Age to John Williams’s iconic scores, Film Night with the Boston Pops returns to Tanglewood with a special celebration of Henry Mancini’s 100th birthday, all led by conductors Ken-David Masur and David Newman.

Boston Pops Orchestra
Ken-David Masur and David Newman, conductors

John Williams’ Film Night

KORNGOLD Suite from The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex
NORTH Forest Meeting and March from Spartacus
John WILLIAMS Theme from Seven Years in Tibet (Oliver Aldort, cello)
MANCINI Theme from The Pink Panther; March from The Great Waldo Pepper; "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's
John WILLIAMS "The Duel" from The Adventures of Tintin
BERNSTEIN Suite from On the Waterfront

John WILLIAMS Superman March
John WILLIAMS Celebrating NBC: Olympic Fanfare and Theme; Meet the Press; The Mission Theme (NBC Nightly News); Wide Receiver (Sunday Night Football)
RAKSIN Theme from Laura (Lucia Lin, violin)
John WILLIAMS Three selections from Star Wars: March of the Resistance; Luke and Leia; Throne Room and Finale

In an interview with Brian McCreath from 2016, John Williams discusses what led him to become a composer, why conducting The Boston Pops is so special, and why he believes Star Wars resonates so profoundly with humanity. Listen to the interview with the audio player above, and follow along with the transcript below.

Note: The Star Wars film discussed here is Star Wars: The Force Awakens,from 2015.

TRANSCRIPT:

Brian McCreath I'm Brian McCreath at Symphony Hall. I'm with John Williams, and it is a great pleasure to have the chance to speak with you, John. I've enjoyed the Film Night concerts for years and of course all of the films you've scored. So thank you for taking a few minutes with me.

Note that there is an archival interview with John Williams, who apparently won't be present in person.

Here's what the BSO says:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA 

Boston Pops Orchestra 
Ken-David Masur and David Newman, conductors

John Williams’ Film Night
A beloved highlight of the Tanglewood season, John Williams’ Film Night returns! From Hollywood’s golden age to contemporary favorites, conductors Masur and  Newman, lead the Boston Pops in two memorable evenings of music and film clips, including a special celebration of Henry Mancini’s 100th birthday!

Due to a recent health concern, from which he is expected to make a full recovery, John Williams will be unable to perform in these concerts. Conductor David Newman will conduct the second half of the program in his place. 

Fri, Aug 2, 2024, 8:00pm EDT

Sat, Aug 3, 2024, 8:00pm EDT

Aha! Film Night is both Friday and Saturday, so that's why WCRB isn't giving a live performance on Friday. Again, no program notes on the BSO site, but the music should still be good. Get well soon, Maestro Williams.

Now we come to Sunday. WCRB gives us the basics:

Sunday, August 4, 2024
7:00 PM

In a Boston Symphony concert led by Alan Gilbert, violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Kirill Gerstein, and cellist Steven Isserlis are the soloists in Beethoven's Triple Concerto, a masterpiece that broke new ground in its day. The concert closes with Beethoven’s spirited and buoyant Symphony No. 4.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Alan Gilbert, conductor
Kirill Gerstein, piano
Joshua Bell, violin
Steven Isserlis, cello

ALL-BEETHOVEN program
Triple Concerto
Symphony No. 4

 And the BSO performance detail page puts it thus:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA 

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Alan Gilbert, conductor
Kirill Gerstein, piano
Joshua Bell, violin
Steven Isserlis, cello 
 

ALL-BEETHOVEN PROGRAM

Triple Concerto
-Intermission-
Symphony No. 4

Joshua Bell, Kirill Gerstein, and Steven Isserlis star on all-Beethoven program that features Beethoven's Triple Concerto, a masterpiece that broke new ground in its day, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 4, a thoughtful, intimate work that opens into jubilation. 

Sun, Aug 4, 2024, 2:30pm EDT

The Triple Concerto has been one of my favorite pieces since I first heard a recording of it decades ago, so I'm really looking forward to hearing it this time. The Symphony No. 4 has a fine opening movement and a second movement that is really beautiful. The third and fourth movements are a bit too boisterous for my taste, so much so that I've called the 4th "Beethoven's worst symphony," which is, of course, faint criticism. Anyway, it's worth listening to, and the concerto is "must listen" IMO. The program notes are worth reading.

Enjoy.

Tanglewood — 2024/07/26-28

 A little while ago the announcer on WCRB said that this weekend marks the midpoint of the BSO' Tanglewood season. Let's see what's in store.

First is WCRB's description of this evening's concert:

Friday, July 26, 2024
8:00 PM

In celebration of Serge Koussevitzky’s 150th birthday, Andris Nelsons leads a concert that includes Koussevitzky’s Double Bass Concerto, with soloist Edwin Barker, as well as spectacular works by Steven Mackey, Sibelius, and Scriabin.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Andris Nelsons, conductor
Yefim Bronfman, piano
Edwin Barker, double bass
Will Liverman, baritone
Tanglewood Festival Chorus,
James Burton, conductor

Steven MACKEY Urban Ocean
Serge KOUSSEVITZKY Double Bass Concerto
Jean SIBELIUS The Origin of Fire
Alexander SCRIABIN Prometheus, Poem of Fire

To hear a preview of Scriabin's Prometheus, Poem of Fire with pianist Yefim Bronfman, listen to this interview from April 6, 2024. Use the player above, and read the transcript below.

TRANSCRIPT (lightly edited for clarity):

Brian McCreath I'm Brian McCreath at Sympho

So there is an interview accessible from the WCRB page either audio or transrcipt.

As always, the description on the BSO's performance detail page is fuller:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA 

Boston Symphony Orchestra 
Andris Nelsons, conductor 
Yefim Bronfman, piano 
Edwin Barker, double bass 
Will Liverman, baritone 
Tanglewood Festival Chorus 
 James Burton, conductor

Steven MACKEY Urban Ocean 
KOUSSEVITZKY Double Bass Concerto
-Intermission-
SIBELIUS The Origin of Fire for baritone, male chorus, and orchestra 
SCRIABIN Prometheus, Poem of Fire, for piano, chorus, and orchestra

Tonight’s concert is generously supported by Eitan and Malka Evan.

This evening's performance by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus is supported by the Alan J. and Suzanne W. Dworsky Fund for Voice and Chorus.

In tribute to Serge Koussevitzky’s legacy, Andris Nelsons and the BSO dedicate this concert series to the trailblazer, opening with Koussevitzky’s virtuosic Double Bass Concerto performed by the BSO’s own Edwin Barker.  

Baritone Will Liverman and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus join the program for two impassioned works: Sibelius’ The Origin of Fire and Scriabin’s Prometheus, Poem of Fire, which Koussevitzky led the 1925 Boston premiere of. 

As always, there are links to performer bios and program notes, which you might like to read. (Side note: When Edwin Barker joined the BSO back in the 70's he looked so much like my kid brother that when my mother first saw him on stage she wondered, "What's Jerry doing here?" Now they aren't lookalikes any more.)

Next we come to Saturday, and WCRB says:

Saturday, July 27, 2024
8:00 PM

Jean-Yves Thibaudet is the soloist in Khachaturian’s vibrant, colorful Piano Concerto, part of a program that also includes Tania León's Pulitzer prize-winning Stride and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, the “Pathétique.”

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Andris Nelsons, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano

Tania LEÓN STRIDE
Aram KHACHATURIAN Piano Concerto
Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 6, Pathétique

From the BSO we get the following:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA 

Boston Symphony Orchestra 
Andris Nelsons, conductor 
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano

Tania LEÓN Stride 
KHACHATURIAN Piano Concerto
-Intermission-
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 6, Pathétique

In tribute to Serge Koussevitzky’s legacy, Andris Nelsons and the BSO dedicate this concert series to the trailblazer. In the spirit of Koussevitzky’s passion for promoting contemporary music and composers, this concert features Tania León's STRIDE, a Pulitzer prize-winning work of resilience and surprise. 

Jean-Yves Thibaudet also joins for Khachaturian’s vibrant, colorful Piano Concerto, and the concert ends with Tchaikovsky’s moving, yearning Pathétique Symphony. 

Tonight’s concert is generously supported by Bonnie and Terry Burman.

Tonight's performance by Jean-Yves Thibaudet is generously supported by Stephen Bardfield in memory of his mom, Gisele Klein Wolfson.

Finally on Sunday at 7:00 we get the usual rebroadcast of the matinee concert. Per WCRB:

Sunday, July 28, 2024
7:00 PM

This program, focusing on the wide variety and rich tapestry of 20th century music, explores themes of spirituality and liberation, blending American sounds and European traditions much as Koussevitzky did during his life. 

In a reflection of Koussevitzky’s commitment to new music, Thomas Warfield is the narrator in James Lee III’s Freedom’s Genuine Dawn, a piece based on the great Fredrick Douglas text “What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?”. Paul Lewis is the soloist in the Piano Concerto by Aaron Copland, whom Koussevitzky brought to the Berkshires to launch what’s now the Tanglewood Music Center, one of the world’s premiere academies for early-stage professional musicians, and for which Randall Thompson wrote his Alleluia, still sung at the TMC to begin of every summer. And the Tanglewood Festival Chorus also sings one of Koussevitzky’s most significant commissions, Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms.

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Andris Nelsons, conductor
Paul Lewis, piano
Thomas Warfield, narrator
Tanglewood Festival Chorus
James Burton, conductor

James LEE III Freedom’s Genuine Dawn
Aaron COPLAND Piano Concerto
Randall THOMPSON Alleluia
Igor STRAVINSKY Symphony of Psalms

Read the entire text of "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" from PBS and learn more about the speech from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

Hear composer James Lee III describe the genesis of Freedom's Genuine Dawn using the audio player above and reading the transcript below.

TRANSCRIPT:

Brian McCreath I'm Brian McCreath from WCRB with James Lee III who is back in Boston for the Boston Symphony Orchestra for the second time. 

The BSO performance detail page, in addition to the usual links, offers this synopsis:

Tanglewood

Koussevitzky Music Shed, Lenox/Stockbridge, MA 

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Andris Nelsons, conductor
Paul Lewis, piano
Thomas Warfield, narrator
Tanglewood Festival Chorus
 James Burton, conductor

James LEE III Freedom’s Genuine Dawn
COPLAND Piano Concerto
-Intermission-
THOMPSON Alleluia, for unaccompanied chorus
STRAVINSKY Symphony of Psalms

In tribute to Serge Koussevitzky’s legacy, Andris Nelsons and the BSO dedicate this concert series to the trailblazer. 

This program, focusing on the wide variety and rich tapestry of 20th century music, explores themes of spirituality and liberation, blending American sounds and European traditions, much as Koussevitzky did during his life. Performing artist Thomas Warfield joins as the narrator for James Lee’s Freedom’s Genuine Dawn, a piece based on the great Fredrick Douglas text “What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?”, which makes the audience grapple with the legacy of slavery being intertwined with the founding of the country. 

This afternoon’s performance by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus is supported by the Alan J. and Suzanne W. Dworsky Fund for Voice and Chorus.

This looks like an interesting series of concerts. Apart from the Tchaikovsky, there are no "warhorses" of the orchestral repertory, but nothing really far from the mainstream. I can't vouch for the new music, but the rest shouldn't be excessivelychallenging — all in all a worthy tribute to the long-time maestro, so I give it a "thumbs up."