BERLIN PHILHARMONIC – MARCH 2021
BEETHOVEN: Piano Concerto No.5 with Igor Levit
PROKOFIEV: Symphony No.6
“…this is a lithe, joyous Beethoven “Emperor” Concerto, only fitfully grandiose when the passing moment requires. The orchestra under Järvi is as supple and winged as Levit in his solo passages, and this is that rare thing, a true concerto partnership.”
The Arts Desk, David Nice, 9 March 2021
“The score [of Prokofiev’s 6th Symphony] not only requires a cohesive orchestra with extraordinary principal players, but also a conductor with a strong hand and a deep understanding of the circumstances in which the work was created. Paavo Järvi rose to the occasion. He did not seek easy effects, but carefully constructed a firm structure, emphasising continuity.”
Bachtrack.com, Edward Sava-Segal, 8 March 2021
“…At the rostrum, Järvi brought out all the symphonism of the ‘Emperor’ Concerto to life, especially in the second idea, and as Levit began playing, all the intimacy of the music emerged – sounding almost aristocratic in his music-making.”
Seenandheard-international.com, Gregor Tassie, 7 March 2021
“A concert in the major and minor of E-flat, Paavo Järvi, wisdom, experience and humanity to the fore, bringing to the mix insightful cameos of relaxed after-dinner conversationalist and urbane historical commentator… This was an epic reading [of Prokofiev Symphony No.6], powerful it its profundity, theatre and tension. Russian novel, torn apart history, games and pranks, sarcasm and ballet all rolled into one intense canvas. The Berliners responded magnificently, gold-plated at every turn, safe in their excellence, safe in the hands of a master conductor. Not a journey I would have wanted to miss.”
Colinscolumn.com, Ates Orga, 8 March 2021
“Paavo Järvi beglückt die Berliner Philharmoniker und uns digitale Zuhörer mit einem unverbindlichen Beethoven. Der tönt flott, beweglich, aufregend, dynamisch wunderbar flexibel und vor allem zackig und schlank. Aber auch leichtgewichtig und nur scheinbar konfrontativ.”
Konzertkritikopernkritikberlin.com, 8 March 2021