Jonathan Biss and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra explore Beethoven

By Phillip Nones, 17 March 2019

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“Noteworthy was the delicate dialogue between the piano and some incredible bassoon and flute playing”

Reviewed at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi on 17 March 2019

Beethoven, Coriolan Overture, Op.62

Shaw, Piano Concerto

Beethoven, Piano Concerto no. 3 in C minor, Op.37

Jonathan Biss, Piano

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Mischa Santora, Conductor

Fresh and vital performances from the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Phillip Nones, 30th March

In a vibrant Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra program, two repertoire staples were paired with an early Mendelssohn symphony that deserves to be better-known.

****1

A passionate Beach Piano Quintet

Phillip Nones, 18th March

The musically meaty Piano Quintet of Amy Beach was the centerpiece of a varied program of works by women composers.

****1

Bach's Brandenburgs shine in the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra's holiday musical offering

Phillip Nones, 10th December

Continuing a decades-long holiday season tradition, the SPCO presents five of Bach's six Brandenburg Concerti in performances brimming with energy and élan.

****1

Creation on the quick: masterpieces composed in a hurry from the Saint Paul CO

Phillip Nones, 1st October

Delivering winsome interpretations along with precision ensemble, the "conductorless" SPCO presents two youthful Schubert and Britten masterpieces that were created by their composers in mere days.

****1

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra inspires in Minnesota

Phillip Nones, 8th October

The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra delivers a thrilling account of Schubert's Second Symphony, while pianist Jeremy Denk inspires in Mozart and chamber works by Schumann and Kurtág.

****1

Jonathan Biss steps in with Schubert at Toronto’s Koerner Hall

Michelle Assay, 5th October

Stepping in to replace Stephen Kovacevich, Jonathan Biss’ Schubert alternates between insight and impatience.

***11

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Phillip Nones

Phillip Nones studied piano from age six, also playing percussion in educational and civic groups before moving to a rural area of the USA in 1990, where performance opportunities were few. Recently he has started performing again, participating in “side-by-side” orchestra performances and playing percussion in the World Doctors' Orchestra. His personal collection of music includes over 5,000 classical albums in all formats (CDs, LPs, 78s), plus downloads. In his professional life, he heads up a marketing communications firm in the state of Maryland. He blogs about the French composer Florent Schmitt here.

Jonathan Biss and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra explore Beethoven from two different angles.