An Evening with the Philadelphia Orchestra

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Parent Category: Film and the Arts

Category: Reviews

Published on Wednesday, 27 October 2021 16:43

Written by Jack Angstreich

Philadelphia Orchestra, photo by Pete Checchia

On the evening of Wednesday, October 20th, at Carnegie Hall, I was enthralled to hear the outstanding Philadelphia Orchestra, under the brilliant direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, performing the second concert in their complete cycle of symphonies by Ludwig van Beethoven this season. They had presented a superb account of the Fifth Symphony at the Opening Night Gala and here amply fulfilled the expectations generated on that night.

The first half of the program featured a marvelous reading of the less frequently played Fourth Symphony, realized with an unusual clarity. The opening movement began with a suspenseful Adagio introduction which transitioned into the jubilant Allegro vivace. The slow movement was lyrical, at times introspective, while the scherzo was playful and energetic, alternating with Trio sections that were pregnant with anticipation, segueing into a propulsive, exhilarating finale.

The conductor then addressed the audience with regard to the question of another Beethoven symphony cycle before leading the musicians in a confident version of the gorgeous “Pastoral” Symphony, beginning with a an enchanting, joyous first movement followed by a more meditative slow movement. The third movement was captivating and tuneful, which gave way to the dramatic, tumultuous Allegro, concluding beautifully with the affirmative, unexpectedly serene finale. The artists garnered enthusiastic applause and deservedly so. I look forward to the next program in the cycle on November 9th.

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