BEETHOVEN SYMPHONIES 2 & 5
Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig, Riccardo Chailly
Barbican, 25 October 2011
It's remarkably difficult to perform Beethoven well. However, conductor Riccardo Chailly claims the Leipzig Gewandhaus have a "secret code" which allows them to get to the heart of his music. They don't always appear to fully unlock this power though.
They kicked off their International Associate Residency at the Barbican with a rather polite performance of Beethoven's Second Symphony. The opening chords could've done with a bit more oomph and the woodwind section were slightly out of tune, but overall the first movement was well executed. The rich string sound came through in the slower second movement, but the scherzo which followed took a while to reach a comfortable tempo. The fourth movement went at quite a lick, providing the audience with a rousing finish.
The orchestra really went up a gear in the second half of the concert. They performed Ritratto di musico (Portrait of the Musician) by Carlo Boccadoro - a work specially commissioned by Chailly to precede Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. With its spirited timpani part and emotional outbursts, the piece was an excellent premonition of the music to come. And the moment the Leipzig Gewandhaus played those famous opening notes from Beethoven's Fifth, the audience were putty in their hands. The musicians felt totally at ease with the music, bringing out the beautiful harmonies and melodic lines with finesse. At last the elusive "secret code" was finally revealed.
INTERESTING FACT: The Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig performed all Beethoven's symphonies within the composer's lifetime.
Thursday 27 October 2011
Monday 24 October 2011
Spielberg's ginger-haired hero...
TinTin's first big screen outing was always going to be a big deal. But when you've got Steven Spielberg directing and Peter Jackson producing, it's a huge deal. And with a stellar bunch of British actors and writers, plus music by John Williams, it's hardly surprising this film is one of the most hotly-anticipated of the year.
The opening did not disappoint. There was superb 3D animation, a delightful score and a nod to creator Hergé in the form of a clever little portrait. However, as the story unfolded, the use of motion capture technology became increasingly frustrating. It was astonishing to see Jamie Bell's expressions reflected in TinTin's face, but after the initial marvel wore off it was somewhat tricky to connect fully with the characters as they felt, ironically, rather two-dimensional.
INTERESTING FACT: No-one knows TinTin's real name - Hergé never revealed it.
Thursday 20 October 2011
Clooney for president...
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| (R-L: George Clooney, Evan Rachel Wood, Philip Seymour Hoffman) |
They say men aren't good at multi-tasking, but George Clooney's proving that old adage wrong with his new film The Ides of March. Not only is he one of the lead actors, but he's also director, co-writer and co-producer. And he's somehow managed to combine all those roles into one sizzling political thriller.
George stars in the movie as Governor Mike Morris - a US presidential hopeful who meets his match (both in terms of looks and brains) in the form of Ryan Gosling's character, Stephen - the idealistic campaign press secretary aiming to get Morris to the White House. With back-stabbing and betrayal at every turn, it makes you question just how dirty politics can be.
Throw in some excellent supporting performances from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Evan Rachel Wood and Paul Giamatti, and you end up with a sleek, sophisticated thriller - proof enough that all George's hard work has paid off.
INTERESTING FACT: George Clooney initially set out to make a morality tale about Wall Street, but changed his mind after reading Beau Willimon's play, Farragut North.
Monday 17 October 2011
The sphere of life...
THE LION KING 3D
Sweeping overhead views of the African savannah and wildebeest stampeding through the gorge are certainly enhanced in 3D, but overall, the movie doesn't gain a huge amount.
In my opinion, The Lion King is a joy to watch - with or without 3D. But re-releasing the film in cinemas gives us all a good excuse to enjoy this musical movie masterpiece on the big screen once again.
INTERESTING FACT: "Hakuna Matata" is Swahili for "no worries".
Sunday 16 October 2011
Put your hands together...
STEVE REICH AT 75
Barbican, 15 October 2011
What better way to start a blog than with a musical milestone... Steve Reich’s 75th birthday concert at the Barbican.
The composer himself turned out for the celebrations, taking to the stage in his trademark baseball cap to perform his 1972 hand-clapping duet Clapping Music. Reich made the relentless rhythmic drive look effortless, but the intense concentration etched on the face of his duet partner Neil Percy told a different story. As the short work came to a close, it was followed - rather ironically given the title - by rapturous applause.
Once Reich had left the stage all eyes were on Kristjan Järvi, who took to the podium to conduct two orchestral works - The Four Sections and Three Movements. Despite being wedged between two pianos, percussion and speakers, Järvi skilfully held both pieces together, while the LSO players imbued the music with unbridled energy.
After some last-minute practise during the interval, the orchestra returned to the stage for The Desert Music - bolstered by singers from Synergy Vocals. The eighties work felt as fresh as ever thanks to the glorious unfolding harmonies and a polished performance. From the glittery tops of the singers to the blurring mallets of the percussionists, the piece was mesmerising.
As the music came to an end, Reich returned to the stage for a bow with the orchestra - receiving cheers, applause and a standing ovation from the audience. A fitting end to a delightful 75th birthday bash.
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