Big surprises from the Japan Philharmonic

By Robert Markow, 26 November 2016

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“outer movements blazed with dazzling color and dynamic swells”

Reviewed at Suntory Hall: Main Hall, Tokyo on 25 November 2016

Shostakovich, Violin Concerto no. 1 in A minor, Op.77 or Op.99

Glazunov, Symphony no. 5 in B flat major, "The Heroic", Op.55

Sunao Goko, Violin

Alexander Lazarev, Conductor

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra

Japan Philharmonic sounds world class under Inkinen

Robert Markow, 27th April

I’ve heard the Japan Philharmonic on several occasions in the past, but this was the first time with Inkinen, and the difference was startling. In previous encounters with this orchestra I noted a rather bright, at times even glaring sound. No longer. Inkinen has instilled instead a generously warm, even, glowing sonority and depth of sound that one hears in Europe’s finest ensembles.

****1

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra makes a rare visit to London

David Truslove, 12th April

Disciplined playing from the Japan Philharmonic brought mixed rewards in a programme that inspired only fitfully.

****1

Academy of the West presents The Rake's Progress in Santa Barbara

Jeffery S. McMillan, 3rd August

Located on the picturesque Miraflores estate in sunny Santa Barbara, The Music Academy of the West must be one of the most attractive summer music training programs in the world.

***11

Redemption and musical caffeine: Nelsons conducts Mahler 8 in Vienna

Mark Pullinger, 10th May

Sunday morning Mahler at the Wiener Konzerthaus sees Andris Nelsons concluding his symphony cycle with the Vienna Philharmonic in shattering fashion.

****1

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

Kirill Petrenko's ideal Pulcinella at the Philharmonie Berlin

Elena Luporini, 7th May

In Berlin, Kirill Petrenko conducts Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven with the Berliner Philharmoniker and Gautier Capuçon: an ideal line-up.

****1

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Robert Markow

Formerly a horn player in the Montreal Symphony, Robert Markow now writes programme notes for that orchestra and for many other musical organizations. He taught at Montreal’s McGill University for many years, has led music tours to several countries, and has written for numerous leading classical music journals.