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

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

Renes replaces Runnicles in a remarkable Philharmonia Bruckner 8

Dominic Lowe, 19th February

Stepping in for Sir Donald Runnicles at very short notice, Lawrences Renes conducts the Philharmonia in a sleek and vivid reading of Bruckner's magisterial Eighth Symphony.

****1

Karpman’s opera Balls tells a great story, but overshoots the line

David Karlin, 20th November

An entertaining portrayal of the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs is marred by ham-fisted amplification.

**111

Giltburg and Foster celebrate the Philharmonia’s 80th birthday

Nick Boston, 17th November

Boris Giltburg emphasising the expression in not one but two piano concertos, with commanding performances from Lawrence Foster and the Philharmonia.

****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.