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