Two conductors: two very different results.
Yesterday we heard the St.Matthew Passion. The main point the conductor seemed to be making was a sharp downbeat, no matter what was going on musically. As a result, several times the ensemble got away from him. He also tended to push tempi, which added to the confusion. It was a disappointment.
Today- two words- Jane Glover!
This woman is a magician. Her every movement tells her troops what the music is about and they respond with glee.
Tonight, at Music of the Baroque, she led the orchestra in an incredible performance of Mozart's Symphony #31 and Haydn's Symphony # 103. They were each performed in a way I think the composers would applaud. Brilliantly. Every musical nuance was realized by the orchestra. Every motion she makes has its own musical meaning, which they get.
She also led them, along with the brilliant English pianist Imogen Cooper, who has the same musical approach to performance as Ms. Glover, in Beethoven's Piano Concerto # 2. She has technique to burn and a great emotional connection to the work.
It was a breath-taking way to end my winter sojourn in Chicago. Tomorrow I fly back to Rood Hill Farm and snow, I fear.
It's been a great winter!
