Let’s Call This …

When violinist Mira Wang and cellist Jan Vogler took the stage at the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) with guest conductor Carlos Kalmar last night, I had a slight hesitation that accompanied the realization that, despite being one of my favorite specific musical forms (a violin/cello double concerto), it was still going to be a modern piece. While there is nothing inherently awful about modern Western Art music, I have found very few pieces I’ve either understood or enjoyed. But John Harbison’s new Double Concerto was excellent. It’s simply impossible — and at least in this case appropriate — to deny the conversational nature of different instruments, and the violin and cello seemed to stay together rhythmically during duet passages, but harmonically, they were often pitted against one another. The slight but not perturbing dissonance told a story of imperfection, which is really one of the most human stories I can imagine. Wang and Vogler were sublime in their ability to compliment one another, as the depth of the cello added richness to the violin.

For this performance, I was seated in a jump seat on the right side, second balcony, but despite the lack of legroom, I was simply glad to be in the Hall. The discomfort would probably become a bigger issue during Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7, a monumental piece that breaks out of the classical symphonic form and adds all kinds of little touches that explore the range of chamber music. Its uniqueness is certainly in this latter point, as at various points, one was listening to brilliant percussion, horn ensembles, string quartets, or guitar-mandolin duets. I admit I allowed my mind to wander back to the world of my work, but invariably something unexpected would draw be back into the piece. Some swear by Mahler, and I admit that I don’t yet fully appreciate why, but my experiences with his music are limited.

This was only my second live performance of Mahler, both by the BSO, and they naturally did their part exquisitely to convey the range of emotions with verve. Notably absent from tonight’s performance was James Levine, our music director who is out with further health issues. Here’s to his speedy recovery, and thanks sincerely to Kalmar for doing a fantastic job, especially considering the emergency scheduling. From above, one saw Kalmar’s hair and almost wondered if Albert Einstein might have been conducting on stage. Also missing on stage this evening was concertmaster Malcolm Lowe, assistant principal Tamara Smirnova, and Bo Youp Hwang. However, Alexander Velinzon took over in the first chair spot, playing the solos and small ensemble first violin parts wonderfully.

It was a joy to have heard the Harbison Double. He and the soloists are all local to Boston/Cambridge, as well, and I admit to being proud of having such living musical giants in our community. It was an excellent night and easily lived up to my season-long anticipation. Now it remains to be seen if a recording will become available any time soon!