A Tribute to Robert Schumann by the BSO - Nov. 18, 2010

Kurt Mazur

                                    Nelson Friere

Paula and I spent a wonderful evening with past and present AstraZeneca colleagues at Symphony Hall engrossed in a wonderful concert commenorating the 200th anniversary of Robert Schumann's birth.  This exceeded all expectations as we were taken on a journey by the veteran conductor, Kurt Masur.  Dressed in a European silk shirt with round collar, this vsionary of the central European repetoire opened the concert with the familar Symphony No. 1 in B-Flat, Opus 38 "Spring".  One heard yearnings of new growth and renewal in this vivacious music.  Although we have seen Maestro Masur who celebrated his 80th birthday in 2007 many times throughout the years, it is clear that he still enjoys his interaction with musicians despite some incipient frailty.  He conducted without baton or score and brought subtle dynamics and impeccable musicianship to the audience. 

I must share this small excerpt from the Maestro's website to give you a glimpse into this astonishing conductor who has led many European orchestras.

"As a child I discovered the joy of music making. Whether singing songs, playing tunes on the piano, or singing along with my sisters and friends, music always made me feel at home. I also discovered that music making helped me overcome loneliness and sadness, but also brought me joy and happiness in the special moments of my life. To date I have enjoyed the same kind of happiness building up programs for audiences that are different all over the world but are united in a "love affair" with music".

The is clearly a conductor who is loves his orchestra as well as the audience.  We watched as he took the time to single out solists for their efforts.  He smiled as if to say paternalistic appreciation for a debt of gratitude.  His gestures and nuances are phenomenal for a conductor his age.  There were many in the audience who gave him a standing ovation eraly in the evening.  It is clear that he is adored by his fans.

The highlight of the evening was most definately the Piano Concerto in A minor, Opus 54 played by the Brazilain borne pianist, Nelson Friere.  He played with much finess and musicianship that one was taken away on a journey in this piece.  His cadenza was full of counterpoint and intrigue without flagrant movements or embellishments.  Masur looked to him for guidance.  The orchestra was well matched in both its timing to support and not overpower the soloist.  This performance was being recorded and will sit well within the current interpretations.  I reflect on many soloists including Lang Lang, Alfred Brendel, Radu Lupu, Martha Argerich, Gina Bachauer, Christian Zimmerman, Murray Perahia, Maurizzio Pollini and Dubravka Tomsic, Russel Sherman Mitsuko Uchida and countless others that we have seen throughout the years and I marveled at the solid and yet exciting performance of this artist.  He played with confidence and yet without the percussive tactics of Lang Lang, yet rose to the level of expressivity of Brendel or Tomsic, two of my favorites.  According both Friere and Masur received an adulatory standing ovation that continued on for minutes.  Only in this piece did Masur resort to a score and set of half-framed reading glasses.

The evening closed with a rousing Symphony No 4 in D mior, Opus 120.  This was full of contrast and counterpoint.  Masur's gestures served to extract every nuance out of the music and the performers.  Masur knows this music well as witnessed by his ability to bring this music to audience and let them be part of the performance.  Sitting in the 3rd row, we were able to see his articulations guide the quality musicians to vivid performance.  Masur is no stranger to Boston and it is apparent that he has a following.  He appears to be modest man who acknowledges parts of the orchestra for their exceptional talent and efforts.  He again received a standing ovation and took his humble bows from the floor rather than on the podium.  This is a man content with his life who tries to educate through music.

It is not often that I attend concerts with familar music and come home full of joy and fulfillment, but last night exceeded my expectations.  Masur is tribute to all conductors as a model for setting aside his ego to engulf us in a common language that ttranscends all cultures.

As a final treat, Nelson Friere was signing CD's in the lobby.  He is modest, somehat uncomfortable with English, but radiates warmth and humbleness.  His Shumann CD was

a treat for my library.  I also own and adore his duet CD with Martha Agerich recorded live from Salzburg playing the Variations on a theme by Haydn Opus 56b among other pieces. 

It was a joy this morning listening to his Schumann CD and reflecting when my daughter played from Kinderszenen Op.15.  as a student with her teacher Inger Ross.  It is with great joy and pride that she will be married next year.

Music transforms the soul and serves as a common bond uniting both people and generations.  I am very forunate to have Paula and many wonderful friends and colleagues to share and partake in these special and memorable performances.  As I get older, I find that my tastes narrow and I become more knowledgeable and critical, but this was indeed a special evening.