The New York Philharmonic; Alan Gilbert, conductor; Yefim Bronfman, piano; at Davies Hall, San Francisco, play Dvořák, Lindberg, and Tchaikovsky, by Steven Kruger

by  • JUNE 2, 2012 • PRINT-FRIENDLY

Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic. Photo Chris Lee.

The New York Philharmonic

Alan Gilbert, conductor
Yefim Bronfman, piano

Davies Hall, San Francisco
Sunday, May 13, 2012

Dvořák - Carnival Overture, Opus 92
Lindberg – Piano Concerto No. 2
Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Opus 36

I caught recently one of the concerts given in Davies Hall by the New York Philharmonic, my old hometown band, as part of our 100th Anniversary Season. It was enough to set me thinking again about the role a good hall plays in shaping the fame of an ensemble.

Fifty years of struggle with the Lincoln Center acoustic has clearly left its mark on the New York orchestra’s reputation — though I must say not on the quality of its playing — which remains stunningly world class. But one is surprised to find in the sonority a burnished warmth and tonal delicacy similar to that of the Cleveland Orchestra. Understated tonal virtues have seldom been possible at Broadway and 65th Street. At least in the way we think of the orchestra. But they were notable here and speak well of Alan Gilbert’s Music Directorship.

Read the full review on the Berkshire Review, an International Journal for the Arts!