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The World of Arts :
Vladimir Jurowski, compelling eclectic conductor
Gwen Heart at the Royal Festival Hall, London
Sitting in a concert hall just before appearance of the London
Philharmonic Orchestra with new compositions is something very special.
There is a palpable sense of anticipation that I am about to hear
something which has never been heard before. There is nothing quiet like
it.
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Vladimir Jurowski, conductor of the
London Philharmonic Orchestra. |
This is the season of classical music and ballet in London. The
theatres have flung open their doors and brush up seating arrangements.
It is such a busy cultural life over here. Unfortunately, I have to miss
the magnificent performance but not before hearing preparations from
another section of the theatre. It was the London Philharmonic Orchestra
brushing up.
The fervour is on... the passion is in the air... and to electrify
the scene, comes an iconic miracle in the form of Vladimir Jurowski.
For the past three years, Vladimir Jurowski has been the conductor of
the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has made an astonishing impact on
London musical life. The London Philharmonic Orchestra can boast that it
is in possession of one of London's hottest properties on the conducting
market, an icon beyond the reach of many leading orchestras in London,
for that matter, around the world. A miracle with the baton, his obvious
charisma and maturity in making music, have clearly endeared him to the
music world. There is no orchestra that would wish to lay its hands on
him.
Each season Jurowski explores a composer in real depth at South Bank
Centre. For 2009/10 he has picked Alfred Schnittke who is one of the
most interesting Russian composers of the late 20th century. Jurowski
believes that Schnittke occupies a very special place not just in Russia
but in Europe as well. He is like a connecting member between two
worlds, the worlds of classical European tradition of Bach, Haydn and
Beethoven to Mahler and Schoenberg and the Russian tradition. Jurowski
also maintains that Russian tradition starts with medieval music and the
Russian church tradition, and floats through composers such as
Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky to Stravisky and to Shostakovich.
Determine to focus and explore lesser known works of Schnittke,
Jurowski feels it is important to devote a special attention to this
composer. Jurowski's goal had always been to focus on lesser known works
even with the most famous of them, to highlight the works which for some
reason had remained on the shelf. In the Schnittke series, the London
Philharmonic Orchestra will play the famous works like Doctor Faustus
and one of the cello concertos. There will also be surprises for the
audiences when Jurowski invites musicologists along with performing
musicians who are specialists in parallel arts. For Jurowski, this is
not just a exploration of music but also of a whole generation of
European culture.
The season of Vladimir Jurowski
The three composers billed on his list for performance are Schnittke,
Mahler and Shostakovich:
1. Alfred Schnittke. Jurowski's 'Between Two Words', the Schnittke's
series include excerpts from 'The History of Doctor Johann Fautus',
followed by a day of music and discussion.
2. Resurrection Symphony. Jurowski takes on Mahler's mighty
'Resurrection Symphony' with the London Symphony Orchestra. As one of
Europe's compelling and passionate conductors, he will be at his best on
Mehler.
3. Shostakovich Operas. I have always found this composer to be
highly complexed and difficult to understand at times. His music has
stirred me but to hear this music the Jurowski way, is exhilarating.
Jurowski will perform these operas which are very rare and seldom on a
programme. 'The Nose and the Gamblers' is yet another opera billed for
the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Jurowski's baton.
Vladimir Jurowski, the London Philharmonic Orchestra's principal
conductor for just three years, has already made an astonishing impact
on London musical life and poised to take on the world's musical scene
by storm. He simply swept me off my feet.
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