Gerhaher, Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, Blomstedt, Royal Albert Hall

Not a concert but a masterclass in Bruckner conducting

by Igor ToronyilalicThursday, 02 September 2010

Herbert Blomstedt 'is a conduit to some of the most extraordinary musical journeys I've ever been on'

Yet again I leave a Herbert Blomstedt concert with a sense of wonderment and bemusement. Wonderment at the extraordinary music-making that this man is capable of. Bemusement as to why he is not better known, his talents not more widely recognised, his services not more often called upon in this, his 83rd year. Last night's masterful Prom saw him leading the youngsters of the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester first into the heavens of Hindemith's Mathis der Maler Symphony and then into the fiery wastes of hell in Bruckner's terrifying Ninth.

This wasn't a concert; it was a masterclass, in programming, in conducting, in playing. The Proms are basking in an Indian Summer. What a joy

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Gerhaher, Faust, Wigmore Hall review - husky shadings and dark hues

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Permalink Submitted by alex burnett (not verified) on Thu, 02/09/2010 - 13:07

I am delighted to agree with every thought and word of this sensitive and perceptive response to a deeply felt and passionately performed concert. I too was at the Edinburgh performance of the eighth and was astonished and overwhelmed. Blomstedt somehow sees the shape, hears the texture with no self regard but full generosity.

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