Tokyo Performances

Sibelius' and Shostakovich's 5ths

Kansai Philharmonic
Trifoni Hall - 21 February
The Festival of Visiting Japanese Orchestras 2007

Two fifth symphonies and two conductors. First the Sibelius conducted by very handsome Sachio Fujioka. A great performance - nuanced, well-paced, dramatic. He squeezed every bit of content out of the piece and had the orchestra playing eloquently. With the exception of the violas, the playing was exemplary - with special praise for the winds and brass.

The Shostakovich was conducted by Taijiro Iimori. Always a crowd-pleaser, and with good reason, this symphony rocked the hall. In even the third movement, which I've always found a little overdrawn, my attention was held. The first movement was conducted at a hellishly fast tempo - but the players hung in there. And the finale was played at a moderate pace - not rushed as it often can be. (Athough I do like the Kondrashin recording in which he takes the finale adagio.)

Alogether, this was an excellent evening, and at 4000 yen (about $33) for the best seats, it was a bargain for Tokyo.

posted by Larry Wells @ 6:42 PM