La dolce vita and Sommerfrische with the Philharmonia

By Elisabeth Schwarz, 25 May 2018

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“strings painted colourful Tuscan landscapes”

Reviewed at Royal Festival Hall, London on 24 May 2018

Mendelssohn, Symphony no. 4 in A major "Italian", Op.90

Brahms, Symphony no. 2 in D major, Op.73

Philharmonia Orchestra

Daniele Gatti, Conductor

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

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

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Elisabeth Schwarz

Elisabeth is Bachtrack’s German Editor and Press Manager. After more than five years in London, she is now back in Vienna, spending more time at the opera and in cafés than her own living room. She also organises music projects for people who have experienced homelessness and works as a freelance translator and copywriter for classical music PRs.

La dolce vita and Sommerfrische: Mendelssohn and Brahms from Daniele Gatti and the Philharmonia