Nott a Bad Conductor!

[Ralph]

Of course there's some ambiguity in the thread title. Several interpretations are possible. The first word might even be a typo.

But, no, Chief Conductor Jonathan Nott brought his Stiftung Bamberger Symphoniker-Bayerische Staatsphilharmonic to Avery Fisher Hall this afternoon. Part of a visiting orchestra subscription series, there were quite a few empty seatds, probably because it's Mother's Day.

Two Ligeti pieces were performed, the orchestral "Atmosphere" from 1961. Sorry it elft me cold and bored. Also six etudes performed very nicely by pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Many in the hall liked this very much. Aimard has a deft and commanding touch.

But I bought my ticket to hear the Adagio from Mahler's Symphony No. 10. While I knew I wasn't listening to the VPO or the NYP I was impressed by this coherent and moving performance of this movement from the symphony Mahler didn't live to complete.

After intermission came again Mr. Aimard to join with theorchestra in a strong reading of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, ("Emperor"). Having heard No. 4 so many times in the last few years I was delighted to hear my favorite LvB piano concerto in a lucid and commanding performance.

Methinks we need to have Britisher Maestro Nott guest conduct major American orchestras. And soon.

[Haydnseek]

Stiftung Bamberger Symphoniker-Bayerische Staatsphilharmonic - now that's a name. Not one of your lackluster "Cleveland Orchestra" style appelations. Cleveland Symphony Foundation - Ohio State Philharmonic? No, it sounds too much like an augmented Ohio State University Marching Band.

[Michael]

He's British? Never heard of him...do you have some biographical details Ralph?

[Michael]

Occured to me to do a search...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858, ... 60,00.html

[Ralph]

The program notes largely track the story referred to above. He seems to have a strong following in Europe and would probably be well received here.