Thielemann and the Dresden Staatskapelle

Last fall Christian Thielemann began his tenure as chief conductor of the legendary Dresden Staatskapelle, one of the world's oldest and finest orchestras. Great things are expected from this combination of conductor and orchestra. Thielemann has solid credentials as a Bruckner and Wagner conductor and that is the core repertoire of this orchestra.

Earlier this year Thielemann and the Dresden Staatskapelle took over from Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic as the resident conductor and orchestra of the Salzburg Easter Festival. This too has a certain inevitability about it. Karajan founded the Salzburg Easter Festival and for many years Thielemann was one of his assistants.

This video discusses the new Thielemann-Dresden Staatskapelle relationship and shows them in rehearsal and concert with Bruckner's Symphony No. 8.

Paul E. Robinson

Dallas Concertmasters Play Prokofiev

Jaap van Zweden has dramatically improved the Dallas Symphony since he took over as music director. In addition to his unique conducting skills, he has made significant changes in personnel. Among the major changes have been the appointments of two concertmasters: Alexander Kerr and Nathan Olsen. Van Zweden knows a thing or two about violins and violinists. For many years he was concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and had an important solo career. It is probably not a coincidence that Alexander Kerr was also concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra at one time.

Here are the two concertmasters together playing Prokofiev's Sonata for Two Solo Violins. The performance was recorded earlier this year for the popular program "Free Sounds" in Holland. Conductor van Zweden is seated in a chair behind the performers.

Paul E. Robinson

The Inimitable Sir Thomas Beecham

There has never been anyone quite like the late Sir Thomas Beecham. His family fortune gave him the means to start orchestras and opera companies when the mood took him. But unlike many frauds and egomaniacs posing as conductors Beecham had a rare ability to make music on the highest level. He also had a pompous manner and a way with words. The combination made him an unforgettable character.

Here is an excerpt from a very entertaining stage presentation about Beecham starring Timothy West. It captures very well much of the wit and style of the man. Unfortunately, one must go to the Beecham recordings to catch a glimpse of his conducting gifts.

Paul E. Robinson

Keeping Score: Stravinsky & MTT

Video Link: Here

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the first performance of Stravinsky's Le sacre du printemps, here is an excerpt from an analysis of the work prepared and presented by conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. It is part of the San Francisco Symphony's Keeping Score series. In this excerpt MTT explores the strangeness of the orchestration. The entire program is available on DVD and is highly recommended as an introduction to this great work.

Paul E. Robinson

Celebrate with the Canadian Brass

Canada celebrates Canada Day and the United States celebrates Independence Day this week. Enjoy the Canadian Brass playing "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" in New York last year as they launch their album "Take Flight." Only one original member of the CB remains - tubist Chuck Daellenbach - but the spirit of the Canadian Brass lives on in their musical virtuosity and their always inventive stage presence. For more on the Canadian Brass visit their website at www.canadianbrass.com.

Paul E. Robinson