Prom 42: Prokofiev, Neuwirth and Bartók with the Philharmonia

By Carla Finesilver, 14 August 2012

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Reviewed at Royal Albert Hall, London on 13 August 2012

Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet: Suite no. 1, Op.64bis

Neuwirth, Remnants of Songs...an Amphigory (UK première)

Bartók, Concerto for Orchestra, Sz 116

Lawrence Power, Viola

Philharmonia Orchestra

Susanna Mälkki, Conductor

Viennese splendour in Garsington’s Rosenkavalier revival

Roy Westbrook, 28th May

Bruno Ravella's splendid 2021 production of Strauss' opera of Viennese manners returns with a fine cast.

****1

Garsington’s new La traviata ticks every musical and dramatic box

David Karlin, 27th May

Music Director Douglas Boyd conducts a performance of exceptional musical quality, and Louisa Muller's uncontroversial but passionate direction makes this Traviata one for the ages.

*****

Classical grace and Romantic eloquence from the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 7th May

The contrasting delights of Schumann, Brahms and Dvořák are powerfully evoked in performances of charm, eloquence and high drama from the Philharmonia, continuing the orchestra’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

****1

Benedetti ablaze with the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 19th April

As gifts to the Philarmonia's 80th birthday season, Nicola Benedetti gives a barnstorming account of Elgar's Violin Concerto before Cristian Mӑcelaru gets emotionally drained by La Mer.

*****

A Resurrection for the ages: Kent Nagano conducts the Philharmonia

Eleanor Knight, 19th March

Any performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is an event, but this mighty Philharmonia account at the Royal Festival Hall proves extra special.

*****

A brilliant UK premiere of John Adams’ After the Fall

David Karlin, 25th February

The Icelandic pianist and Finnish conductor make a superb case for John Adams' latest concerto; the Philharmonia play Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé strongly but don't convince completely.

****1

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Carla Finesilver

Carla loves music and mathematics, studied both, and now combines working in maths education with playing the flute in a variety of amateur and semi-professional orchestras, chamber and operatic groups. Particular interests include woodwind instruments and 20th-century composers. She lives in London and blogs at silverfin.