Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 22, 2009, 9:29 pm
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recently released its next season, and I believe it is probably the most dynamic and varied season we have seen in recent memory. The season is focusing on the three conductors that make up the universe of excellence at the CSO: Bernard Haitink, who will be leaving us ...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 19, 2009, 5:32 pm
Erwartung and Blue Beard’s Castle open at the Seattle Opera.  Both are rarely performed, Schoenberg’s monodrama more so than Bartok’s traversal of concealed horrors. Yuri Bashmet and the Moscow Soloist Chamber Orchestra is in town tomorrow night for a “crossover concerto.”  These classi...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 19, 2009, 8:46 am
What does she command? Your attention. From the very first notes, there’s such authority, such security to Angela Hewitt’s playing that immediately you are riveted to what she is doing. When it’s Bach, as it was Tuesday at Meany Theater in the English Suite No. 6,  it’s also straightway imb...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 18, 2009, 1:00 am
Susan Marie Pierson; Courtesy Karen Stucke There are no airs or temperamental drama about Susan Marie Pierson, the soprano who not only sings every performance of Schoenberg’s “Erwartung” in Seattle Opera’s double bill the next two weeks, but covers for the soprano in Bartok’s “Bluebear...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 17, 2009, 1:46 am
Huw Edwards, music director and conductor of the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra has a knack for finding outstanding young artists and displaying their talent on stage. This time, for the PCSO concert on Friday evening, two teens demonstrated artistic abilities way beyond their years. The orche...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 15, 2009, 8:26 pm
I was fortunate to be able to sit down with Maestra Falletta this weekend.  Falletta has been in Seattle this past week for a series of three concerts with the Seattle Symphony.  The concerts have been a compelling mix of the seldom heard, a dark showpiece, and a deeply moving requiem by the under...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 15, 2009, 11:56 am
Gerard Schwarz Growth in Seattle, But leaves uncertain future. Now 25 years. Kurt Masur Sacked from New York Phil, Made a new life in Paris. The wall has fallen. James Gaffigan Thomas is mentor. Is this San Francisco treat The next star maestro? Vassily Sinaisky Obsessive Russian, Who ...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 12, 2009, 10:37 pm
The idea that a musical performance must be full of fireworks and usually loud to be satisfying– think of your average rock concert, or even the Seattle Symphony’s program last week—is negated in the person of violinist Hilary Hahn. There is nothing flamboyant about Hahn, her demeanor, her dr...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 12, 2009, 10:28 pm
It has been a while since I attended an all Mozart concert.  The last time, probably, was back in 1997.  It was a different time then.  I was new to classical music and enchanted by everything I heard.  Even at that last all Mozart concert, the Posthorn Serenade melted into whatever else was on ...
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Zach C. posted an article on The Gathering Note - Feb 11, 2009, 12:43 pm
Murray Perahia is less known for his Beethoven recordings than his lauded foray into the world of JS Bach.  Judging by the pianist’s recent recording of Beethoven’s Op. 14, 26, and 28 piano sonatas, shows Perahia as one of the finest Beethoven interpreters playing today.  These sonatas are not...
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