National pride without sentimentality

By Simon Cummings, 15 February 2018

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“the work’s lush, dreamy lyricism genuinely caught fire”

Reviewed at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on 14 February 2018

Mozart, Don Giovanni, K527: Overture

Dvořák, Cello Concerto in B minor, Op.104

Dvořák, Symphony no. 9 in E minor, "From the New World", Op.95

Czech Philharmonic

Tomáš Netopil, Conductor

Alisa Weilerstein, Cello

An au courant odyssey with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 7th May

Conducted by Semyon Bychkov, the Czech Philharmonic shows its versatility with a sharp, smart evening of modern music.

****1

Sol Gabetta bares her soul in Elgar on Czech Phil tour

Clare Varney, 23rd April

Semyon Bychkov conducts the Czech Phil on their latest European tour with the music of Elgar and Stravinsky.

****1

A heartfelt reunion with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 19th March

A stellar soloist and deft work by Semyon Bychkov put a fresh spin on familiar fare in the Rudolfinum.

****1

Searing Kindertotenlieder from Fleur Barron and Czech Philharmonic

Gianmarco Segato, 18th February

Fleur Barron delivers a searing Kindertotenlieder in the Czech Philharmonic's mini-survey of the Germanic Romantic repertoire under Semyon Bychkov.

****1

Rockin’ at the Rudolfinum: the Czech Phil plays Bryce Dessner

Frank Kuznik, 5th February

American guitarist and composer Bryce Dessner brings a subdued palette to his debut appearance with the Czech Philharmonic.

****1

Modern mayhem from Thomas Adès and the Czech Philharmonic

Frank Kuznik, 5th December

The composer and conductor celebrates Pierre Boulez's 100th birthday in fine fashion with a smart program and fervent work from both sides of the podium.

*****

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Simon Cummings

Simon Cummings is a composer, writer and researcher based in the Cotswolds. He composes instrumental and electronic music, exploring aspects of algorithmic composition, and has recently completed a Ph.D. in composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire under the supervision of Richard Causton and Howard Skempton. His musical tastes are ludicrously broad but are focused most on contemporary/avant-garde classical and electronic music. When not composing, he writes regularly about new music; Simon is the author of the contemporary music blog 5:4 (5against4.com), and regularly contributes articles for a variety of books, journals and websites. Follow him on Twitter @5against4.

National pride without sentimentality: the Czech Philharmonic at Symphony Hall