I don't know if anyone else happened to be there but this was a thoroughly impressive performance, particularly Bruckner 7. The Mozart Piano Concerto was less remarkable (I know it's the traditional pairing but I wish they'd try a less predictable combination sometimes) - there was nothing wrong with it, it just didn't strike me as anything out of the ordinary and I was more impressed by the Brahms intermezzo Andsnes played as an encore.
I don't know how often Stutzmann has conducted Bruckner but this was very self-assured and without any fussy conducting mannerisms. If I'm being picky, the Adagio wasn't as impressive as the rest, but I always felt Stutzmann was in control and getting what she wanted from the LSO. I haven't heard them live for a long time but they were very impressive last night. I've come to appreciate our home orchestras a lot more over the years. Although the clean, sharp-edged sound of the LSO isn't the first band you think of for Bruckner, I thought they were terrific - a full, rich sound without being overbearing or on semi auto-pilot.
Anyway, just offering my thoughts. If you have a ticket for Sunday (Te Deum and Bruckner 9) I don't think you'll be disappointed. It was pretty full last night and I don't see many tickets for the next one.
I don't know how often Stutzmann has conducted Bruckner but this was very self-assured and without any fussy conducting mannerisms. If I'm being picky, the Adagio wasn't as impressive as the rest, but I always felt Stutzmann was in control and getting what she wanted from the LSO. I haven't heard them live for a long time but they were very impressive last night. I've come to appreciate our home orchestras a lot more over the years. Although the clean, sharp-edged sound of the LSO isn't the first band you think of for Bruckner, I thought they were terrific - a full, rich sound without being overbearing or on semi auto-pilot.
Anyway, just offering my thoughts. If you have a ticket for Sunday (Te Deum and Bruckner 9) I don't think you'll be disappointed. It was pretty full last night and I don't see many tickets for the next one.
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