Word: schuberts
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...Anne Sofie von Otter Schubert: Lieder (Deutsche Grammophon) The cool radiance of Von Otter's mezzo-soprano voice lights up this cannily chosen, passionately sung program of 18 Schubert songs, stylishly accompanied by pianist Bengt Forsberg. Some are obscure, some ultrafamiliar, but either way they are irresistible; even the age-old Ave Maria sounds brand...
Another alternative surprise is Chris Cornell, former front man for Soundgarden. He, along with the artist Eleven, delivers a poignant rendition of Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" in Old English. One of the producers, Linda Feder, writes that Cornell "felt very strongly about wanting to do a traditional song, a classical piece, something that might turn young people onto classical music." Who would have thought the same guy who helped pioneer Seattle grunge could sing so magnificently...
With the second movement of the Schubert came an increase in Gatti's emotional intensity, though physical dramatics for the most part remained conspicuously absent. At times one could see the conductor shaking his head from side to side--sometimes mouthing words to the first violins, sometimes gazing out above the mass of musicians with his lower lip protruding. Under his command, the orchestra executed the polyphonic intricacies of the Andante con Moto in perfect synchrony. One could feel the layers of music meshing throughout the hall as they blanketed the audience with their warmth...
Despite the orchestra's spotless technical precision and resplendent articulation of Schubert's themes, the spotlight continued to linger upon Gatti's motions. While the concertmaster nearly leapt from his chair at various highlycharged moments, Gatti barely took a step from his position at the front of his platform. "Gatti seemed a bit stiff," remarked one passer-by during intermission, having apparently hoped to view the conductor's signature "dramatic and instinctive style...
Daniele Gatti is currently finishing his first tour of the United States, which will culminate in a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center on Nov. 2. Aside from Schubert and Mahler, the Royal Philharmonic repertoire includes Schumann's Piano Concerto, Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 8, as well as Respighi's Fountains of Rome, a piece just recorded in the first installment of Gatti's contract with BMG's Conifer Classics label...