Gerhaher, Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, Blomstedt, Royal Albert Hall

Not a concert but a masterclass in Bruckner conducting

by Igor ToronyilalicThursday, 02 September 2010

Herbert Blomstedt 'is a conduit to some of the most extraordinary musical journeys I've ever been on'

Yet again I leave a Herbert Blomstedt concert with a sense of wonderment and bemusement. Wonderment at the extraordinary music-making that this man is capable of. Bemusement as to why he is not better known, his talents not more widely recognised, his services not more often called upon in this, his 83rd year. Last night's masterful Prom saw him leading the youngsters of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester first into the heavens of Hindemith's Mathis der Maler Symphony and then into the fiery wastes of hell in Bruckner's terrifying Ninth.

This wasn't a concert; it was a masterclass, in programming, in conducting, in playing. The Proms are basking in an Indian Summer. What a joy

Buy

Link to Herbert Blomstedt's recording on Amazon

Gerhaher, Faust, Wigmore Hall review - husky shadings and dark hues

Explore topics

Share this article

...

Permalink Submitted by alex burnett (not verified) on Thu, 02/09/2010 - 13:07

I am delighted to agree with every thought and word of this sensitive and perceptive response to a deeply felt and passionately performed concert. I too was at the Edinburgh performance of the eighth and was astonished and overwhelmed. Blomstedt somehow sees the shape, hears the texture with no self regard but full generosity.

Add comment

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

more Classical music

theartsdesk Q&A: young pianist Ignas Maknickas on appearing at the Roman River Festival and beyond A rising talent who first performed with the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra aged 9

Donohoe, Roscoe, Stoller Hall, Manchester review - two great pianists celebrate 50 years The special chemistry of two-piano duet, with virtuosity, humour and depth

Wang, Lapwood, LSO, Pappano, Barbican review - grace and power from two keyboard heroines Full-strength fun on an evening of spectacle and swagger

Beethoven Sonata Cycle 1, Boris Giltburg, Wigmore Hall review - running the gamut From the official first to the toughest – quite a launch for a series this pianist knows well

Classical CDs: Soft toys, starlings and tarantellas French piano duets, a sung ballet plus two discs of viola music

Prom 71, Seong-Jin Cho review - refined Romantic journeys Taste and grace from the Korean prize-winner in Ravel and Liszt

Frang, LSO, Pappano, Barbican review - a concerto performance to treasure Outstanding Elgar and full orchestral throttle in Holst

LSO, Pappano, Barbican review - singular adventures for a new era A quick-change MacMillan premiere finds correspondences in singular Sibelius

First Person: Alexandra Dariescu on highlighting women at the Leeds International Piano Competition A distinguished pianist fights for more balanced international programming

Proms 63-65, Choral Day review - from Harris to Handel/Mozart via Alabama, with love British and American beauties crowned by a cornucopial 'Messiah'

Prom 62, Mahler's Sixth Symphony, Bavarian RSO, Rattle review - sound over momentum Near-perfect playing, but something missing in the overall drama

Prom 61, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rattle review - Bruckner without tears A lithe, smooth journey around a craggy masterpiece

Follow @theartsdesk