Emanuel Ax: In homage to Johannes Brahms

By Cynthia Wilson, 08 April 2014

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

Reviewed at Concertgebouw: Main Hall, Amsterdam on 6 April 2014

Brahms, Piano Sonata no. 2 in F sharp minor, Op.2

Dean, Hommage à Brahms (Dutch première)

Brahms, 4 Piano Pieces, Op.119

Mazzoli, Bolts of Loving Thunder

Brahms, Variations and Fugue for Piano on a Theme by Handel, Op.24

Brahms, Intermezzo in B flat minor, Op.117 no.2

Brahms, 6 Pieces for Piano: Intermezzo in A major, Op.118 no.2

Emanuel Ax, Piano

Weinberg rarity overshadows John Williams at the New York Philharmonic

Cameron Kelsall, 1st March

John Williams put butts in seats with the New York debut of his Piano Concerto, but the NY Phil's first performances of Mieczysław Weinberg’s Symphony no. 5 stole the show.

****1

Matthias Pintscher: a triple threat comes to Disney Hall

Néstor Castiglione, 13th November

Los Angeles Philharmonic audiences got a taste of Pintscher as conductor, concerto partner, and composer.

*****

Worthy world premiere of John Williams’ Piano Concerto at Tanglewood

Kevin Wells, 26th July

John Williams' new concerto evokes the spirit of jazz virtuosos, paying tribute to Art Tatum, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson.

****1

New beginnings: Michael Tilson Thomas opens NY Phil season with Mahler

Kevin W Ng, 12th September

Michael Tilson Thomas' energy and wisdom remain undimmed in the New York Philharmonic's season opener.

*****

Brahms and Beethoven for (5000 and) Three

Rohan Shotton, 31st August

Yo-Yo Ma, Emmanuel Ax and Leonidas Kavakos hold a sold-out Royal Albert Hall to rapt attention for some astonishing chamber music.

*****

Tanglewood fellows impress in Strauss, Beethoven and Ives

Cameron Kelsall, 21st July

Andris Nelsons and Emanuel Ax find inspiration working with their young colleagues on an idyllic Sunday in the Berkshires.

****1

More reviews...

Cynthia Wilson

Boston-born, educated at Concord Academy and Sarah Lawrence College, Cynthia Wilson studied harpsichord in Amsterdam. She has performed, taught and held significant management positions: public radio, Philips Hall, Rotterdam Philharmonic. Wilson subsequently founded wwclassics: (arts) policy and (events) production. She recently published the biography of Menahem Pressler (Beaux Arts Trio).