Staatskapelle Dresden and Daniel Harding in Beethoven at Lincoln Center, by Michael Miller
Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden
Daniel Harding, Conductor
Lincoln Center, Avery Fisher Hall
Monday, November 1, 2010
All-Beethoven Program
Piano Concerto No. 4, Rudolf Buchbinder, Piano
Symphony No. 7
There is a cohesion in the Staatskapelle's playing, both in terms of overall sound and in terms of their focus on the music they are playing, as if it were chamber music on a very large scale, that makes them unique. Other orchestras may shine with their virtuosity or luxuriate in brilliant soloists, but the Staatskapelle Dresden excels in its unique musicality. Mere effect is beneath them, in fact there is a strain of undestatement in their musicianship. It should also be mentioned that they have a strong will of their own, and they are capable of playing badly, if they don't respect a conductor. Hence the fine exhibition of their art they produced for Daniel Harding Monday evening was a success in itself, since no one can deny that they put themselves into it.

