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Showing posts from November, 2011

Super sounds of a diverse performance

The programme for Angela Hewitt 's latest NAC concert on 3rd November started with a difference: Hewitt's recital was after the interval and not before. In addition, the first auditory experience was the supposedly least-accessible of Sibelius' symphonies, Symphony No. 4 in A minor, Op. 63 . Prior to the performance I was completely unfamiliar with this piece, but no less interested in hearing the NACO's premiere performance.  The programme notes describe the piece as both severe and stern. After hearing even the first few minutes of the symphony, I beg to differ: these terms seem to be excessively negative. I prefer 'spare elegance', especially in relation to the first and third movements. The piece may have its bleak moments but, especially in the hands of the NACO, the resulting sound is smooth, measured and very beautiful. Having heard quite a bit of more recent Nordic music, Sibelius' influence on modern bands is clear. Unfortunately, a fair few