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Currentzis Conducts Mahler and Schwartz
A review of a concert featuring Mahler's Symphony No. 5 and a new work by Jay Schwartz, highlighting Theodore Currentzis' conducting and the Utopia orchestra's technical prowess.
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SportsEntertainmentReviewPerformanceConcertClassical MusicOrchestra
Utopia Orchestra
Gustav MahlerJay SchwartzTheodore CurrentzisSchubertAlma Mahler
- What pieces of music were performed at the concert?
- The concert featured Mahler's Symphony No. 5 and Jay Schwartz's "Pasacaglia - Music for Orchestra IX," conducted by Theodore Currentzis with his Utopia orchestra.
- What is notable about Jay Schwartz's "Pasacaglia" piece?
- Schwartz's piece, written specifically for Currentzis and Utopia, premiered in Berlin shortly before its Athens performance. It's based on Schubert's "Eise die Ruhe," using seven musical measures as a starting point and developing through variations.
- What were the reviewer's overall impressions of Utopia's performance?
- The review praises Utopia's technical skill and discipline, highlighting their ability to achieve a wide range of dynamics, from near silence to explosive crescendos. However, it questions whether this precision sometimes overshadows the emotional depth of the compositions.
- What criticism was leveled at the performance of Mahler's "Adagietto"?
- The performance of Mahler's "Adagietto" (fourth movement) was criticized for its overly polished, emotionless delivery. The orchestra, while technically proficient, lacked the tenderness and sentiment the piece requires.
- How did the reviewer characterize Currentzis' interpretation of the Mahler symphony?
- Currentzis' interpretation emphasized his own style over the composer's intent in both the Mahler and Schwartz pieces. The Mahler performance was characterized by overwhelming intensity, while the Schubert-inspired piece was very controlled and precise.