New York Philharmonic Ushers in a New Year at Carnegie Hall

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Parent Category: Film and the Arts

Category: Reviews

Published on Monday, 07 February 2022 15:18

Written by Jack Angstreich

Branford Marsalis with the New York Philharmonic. Photo ©2022 Chris Lee.

On the evening of Thursday, January 6th, at Carnegie Hall, I had the great pleasure of hearing an excellent concert featuring the impressive New York Philharmonic under the sterling direction of the remarkable Finnish conductor, Susan Mälkki.

The program opened promisingly with an unfamiliar but marvelous work, the exciting An American Port of Call by contemporary African-American composer, Adolphus Hailstork. The celebrated jazz saxophonist, Branford Marsalis, then took the stage as soloist for the concerto for his instrument written by the eminent John Adams. There was a compelling propulsive segment in the first half of the piece but, regrettably, on the whole I had the impression that this is not one of his most engaging creations.

The true highlight of the event, however, was the second part of the performance, devoted to a magnificent reading of the extraordinary Fifth Symphony by Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. After a somewhat enigmatic—even mystical—introduction, the opening Allegro moderato attained moments of awesome grandeur as it unfolded, amidst turbulent episodes. The breathtaking execution and sheer wondrousness of the music garnered surprising applause at the movement’s conclusion. The lyrical beginning of the ensuing Andante mosso was succeeded by dancelike passages as well as instances of intense Romanticism, until the movement gradually acquired a portentous character before quietly closing. The finale began suspensefully while rapidly acquiring the majesty heralded at the work’s outset, achieving a stunning apotheosis.

The Philharmonic season continues at Lincoln Center while I hope for the return of this outstanding conductor to a local stage soon.

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