BSO, reviewed by Ann-Sophie Stoermann

“Noooo, I didn’t cry! That’s a lie!” 
by Ann-Sophie Stoermann

Boston Symphony Orchestra. March 14^th, 7pm. The light goes down, when the director enters the stage and the string instruments start playing Mozart’s Symphony NO: 41 in C. After only a few seconds the orchestra already kept the visitors attention by playing “Jupiter” so beautifully in dynamic, feelings and emotion. Of course, Mozart is always great, but that was special.

The concert goes on with a world premiere. Augusta Read Thomas composed the Cello Concerto NO 3 “Legend of the Phoenix” and march 14^th was the first time her piece was performed live with an orchestra. Soon after the instruments started playing you were impressed by her composing talents. In her music she gave every instrument the chance to look great and to show what it can do. She made everything match and still it was so special and different. Every instrument was shown from their best side, especially the Solo Cello, amazingly played by Lynn Harrel. Modern music can be very special and crazy, but this one was different. It was amazing and I’m sure everyone will like it, you just have to be open minded to get to know something new. With standing ovations the world premiere of “Legend of the Phoenix” was celebrated.

After the intermission the highlight of the night began: Saint-Saens’ Symphony NO. 3 in C Minor took the breath out of everyone. And for some also the tears. Beautifully Saint-Saens brings us with the orchestra including a giant organ into another world. His symphony touched everyone with its slow and sad, happy and fast, and mysterious, almost dangerous parts. At some parts the organ starts playing loudly a big accord just into the middle of the piece. Is it to wake the visitors up out of their dreams about the music? Or is it to shock, to surprise them? We don’t know. And it doesn’t matter, because it is awesome.

During one part the orchestra turned their volume down and in the background you could hear the piano playing a little melody in the background. It almost seemed like it would sing. That was the break down for some. The tears were falling, it was just too beautiful.

Again with standing ovations and a long applause the visitors and the orchestra said “Bye and see you the next time”, because there is going to be a next time!!!