With Nelsons, Gewandhaus Orchestra shows its strengths at Symphony Hall
One might compare the Leipzigers to a well-oiled machine, but to do that would deny the sheer human efforts and years of practice necessary to be so solid. Within the GHO’s woodwinds and brass, tone colors and attacks matched each other so congruently that each section sounded like a single instrument with the slightest hint of reverb.
After that, Nelsons led a thrilling rush through the finale, with the orchestra egging on fleet exchanges between the soloists. The GHO’s nimble, poised sound was enhanced by seating the first and second violin sections on either side of the podium, with lower strings at the rear.
[…] with impeccable cohesion within the orchestra, unshakable through all of Nelsons’s dynamic peaks and valleys. One might compare the Leipzigers to a well-oiled machine, but to do that would deny the sheer human efforts and years of practice necessary to be so solid. Within the GHO’s woodwinds and brass, tone colors and attacks matched each other so congruently that each section sounded like a single instrument with the slightest hint of reverb.”
Zoë Madonna, The Boston Globe
Photo credit: Robert Torres