Tokyo Performances

NHK Symphony with Felicity Lott

18 October 2009
NHK Hall

The program was conducted by an aging and frail Andre Previn. He opened with a short piece by Wolfgang Rihm "Ernster Gesang". Rhapsodic and wandering, it was one of those pieces I'd like to hear again. A nice opening but the good part was to come - Felicity Lott singing the final scene from Strauss' "Capriccio".

It began with the beautiful "Moonlight Music" and transitioned into the final monologue of the countess. I've heard it many times, and I was very pleased by Miss Lott's interpretation - understated, elegant, seamless, yet passionately felt. She was aided by the fluid playing of the orchestra and Maestro Previn's steady hand.

The second half of the program was devoted to Strauss' "Symphonia Domestica" - not his finest work. Although there are parts of great beauty, it does tend to wander, and Previn's age and lack of strength - he was seated as he conducted - made it into something ultimately boring. Too bad.

posted by Larry Wells @ 6:43 PM