Tokyo Performances

Berio and Strauss

Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
December 12
Suntory Hall

The performance of Berio's Sinfonia was well performed although the soloists were pretty restrained. Likewise their English pronunciation was at times flawed. I love the third movement with its parody of a movement from Mahler's 2nd with bits of Der Rosenkavalier thrown it. It is so much more witty and interesting than the other four movements, which at times are slow going. Still, it was fun to watch the players - particularly the harpists, keyboards, and percussion. Complex music.

The second half of the program was "Ein Heldenleben" which likewise is pretty slow going. I love Strauss's vocal music, but his orchestral pieces sometimes seem insubstantial yet long winded - if that makes any sense.

The orchestra sounded good, and the concertmistress played her solo bits beautifully. Conductor Naoto Otomo seems to think a little too highly of himself and his forces. The ovations were endless.

This was a fairly satisfying way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

posted by Larry Wells @ 7:24 PM 0 comments

British Embassy Choir

December 4 at Otsuma Hall

The worst audience ever. Crying, talking babies throughout the first half with parents not having enough sense to remove them. People being led to seats during performances. Really quite frustrating.

In any event, some nice music. The opening Gabrieli done antiphonally with brass and timpani was beautiful. The Bach B-Minor Mass's Sanctus and Osanna were creditable, and the Daniel Pinkham Christmas Cantata seemed worth another hearing.

After the intermission I enjoyed hearing Britten's Hymn to the Virgin, also sung antiphonally, and Vaughan Williams' Wassail Song. These were interspersed with nice arrangements of several favorite carols as well as other small choral works.

The music put me in the Christmas spirit, but the poor audience took it right back.

posted by Larry Wells @ 7:18 PM 0 comments