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| Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73/Hungarian Dances, London Philharmonic Orchestra/Marin Alsop (Album cover) |
St. Paul, Minn. — Twenty years ago, when Marin Alsop set out to become a conductor, she was so determined that she would invite musician friends over to her New York apartment and feed them pizza if they would let her conduct them after dinner.
A lot has happened since then. This past summer Alsop, who is currently principal conductor of England's Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, was named the first woman to head a major U.S. orchestra. Starting next fall she'll be music director designate of the Baltimore Symphony, and she'll begin her official tenure in the fall of 2007.
This past September, she was also awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, which is given to individuals across all ages and fields who "show exceptional merit and promise of continued and enhanced creative work. "If you want to hear what all the excitement's about, check out her latest release with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
It continues a Brahms symphony cycle that Alsop and the orchestra began last winter to critical acclaim. The second installment in this Naxos series features the Symphony No. 2 in D major. It's a joyous symphony, but it also has its moments of melancholy. The gentle, serene opening of the first movement leads to sad, reflective low brass chords.
Brahms does love his brass instruments. He even wrote to a friend that he had tried to get through the first movement "without trombones, "but he just couldn't do it. Listen for more low brass instruments in the slow movement. It really does add a sense of reflective calm to the sound of the sumptuous orchestra.
When it comes to conducting a Brahms symphony, Alsop says the challenge is one of balance and proportion. She strives for the right blend of tradition and innovation. I think Alsop has managed to create that balance with the help of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. They have great chemistry. According to Alsop, her experiences with the LPO are "always filled with joy."
I can really hear that in the fearsome finale. Right in the middle of the movement, Brahms pauses, giving the woodwinds and strings a chance to slow things down. It sounds like the calm before the storm, because you know this is the finale; when will it pounce on us? I can just see the orchestra members eyeing the listener with raised eyebrow s as they lightly pick up the pace. Then, the beautiful melody pours in, setting the stage for the horns to take it home with a blaze of glory.
The London Philharmonic is an orchestra with tremendous artistic integrity and a great sense of humor. Marin Alsop says that's the perfect combination for her.
Alsop and the LPO will complete their cycle of the four Brahms symphonies in 2006. Alsop is also performing music by Brahms throughout this season in appearances with various orchestras.
This new release finishes up with more Brahms: several of the Hungarian Dances. If someone on your holiday shopping list is just starting to dip a toe in classical waters, the Hungarian Dances will inspire total immersion. They're filled with catchy melodies, and many different moods. I can't help but smile when I listen to them. Something tells me you'll be smiling too, right along with Marin Alsop and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
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