The Opera Tattler

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Anne-Sophie Mutter at SFS

Anne-sophie-mutter * Notes *
Anne-Sophie Mutter gave the US premiere of Sofia Gubaidulina's second violin concerto, In tempus präsens, with San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas, yesterday. The piece was played again tonight, and has a shimmering, yet compressive quality, filled with bumblebees and crickets. Mutter played cleanly and with much vigor. The violas, cellos, and basses sounded lovely, as did the percussion section, particularly the gong. It was a bit difficult to hear the harpsichord, even though it was amplified. The trombones and tuba sounded strangely sputtering, though this is probably not due to their skills as players.

The second half of the program consisted of Ravel walzes, first the rather dull Valses nobles et sentimentals, which were played nicely. La Valse, on the other hand, was exuberant, both delightful and wry.

* Tattling * 
The audience was well-behaved, though there were quite a few fidgety children present.

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5 responses to “Anne-Sophie Mutter at SFS”

  1. Janos Gereben Avatar
    Janos Gereben

    Kudos for hearing and identifying bumblebees and crickets in the Gubaidulina concerto, but would like to suggest respectfully that there are just as many picturesque creatures hiding in the Ravel that you found “dull.”
    One of the many great things about music is that in most cases, repeated hearing reveals the values inherent in the well-regarded. I am sure I am not the only one who heard only ugly sounds at first in “Elektra,” Bartok, even Shostakovich, and then learned to treasure every note.
    A long way to a short suggestion: give “Valses nobles” another chance. Cheers, Janos

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  2. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    Certainly the fault is mine, I often find many pieces strange or boring on the first few times around. I still don’t understand Elektra, or even Der Rosenkavalier, for instance. I see that I do have another chance at “Valses nobles” next season at SF Symphony, so that’s good!

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  3. ALH Avatar
    ALH

    Dear Opera Tattler,
    Did you hear Anne-Sophie Mutter play the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto on March 2nd?
    Just wondering what you thought…

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  4. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    No, I didn’t make it, was it good?

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  5. ALH Avatar
    ALH

    It showed that her style has changed over the years….but overall it’s still very “assertive” for a Mendelssohn piece.
    Have you heard Gil Shaham play the Mendelssohn? (last year with SF Symphony)? It was beautiful.

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