An evening of Brahms with the Ontario Phil and Anton Kuerti

Richard Strauss’ Four Last Songs hold an important place in the musical canon for voice and orchestra. The 81-year-old composer wrote them in 1948 from his post-war home in Switzerland, setting poetry by Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff.

Tonight's concert featured an international array of artists, but was held together with a heavy dose of Spanish flavour.

Richard Strauss’ Four Last Songs hold an important place in the musical canon for voice and orchestra. The 81-year-old composer wrote them in 1948 from his post-war home in Switzerland, setting poetry by Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff.

February 2nd’s Masterworks Concert saw the return of two iconic figures to Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. Günther Herbig, TSO music director from 1988-1994 was warmly welcomed back to Toronto to lead the orchestra through the week’s concerts. Pianist Anton Kuerti was also greatly received by the audience, making his 40th appearance with the TSO.

Chor und Orchester des Collegium Vocale Gent und ihr charismatischer Leiter Philippe Herreweghe, längst Legenden der historischen Aufführungspraxis, beweisen, dass die Doppelchörigkeit der Matthäus-Passion nicht nur ein Stereo-Phänomen ist.

Eine Deutung, die am Karfreitag den emotionalen Höhepunkt des Todes höchst ergreifend einfängt. Und sich an den zentralen Partien ausrichtet, die mit optimalen Kieran Carrel und Konstantin Krimmel im Gedächtnis bleibt.