Alisa Weilerstein, Cello!
DVD Release Date: September 28, 2010
I am always excited by the emergence of new young talent, because it assures us that that the world of music is in good hands for the future…
Alisa Weilerstein has become more and more well known; and when I heard that she was to perform with Daniel Barenboim, I jumped a the chance to listen to her new DVD, and to explore her performance of the Elgar Cello concerto.
If you are aware of Mr. Barenboim’s background, then you know that years ago he was married to the amazing British Cellist, Jacuqline DuPre. And as a young man he conducted a famous concert in which Ms. DuPre performed this great Elgar work. Since then Barenboim likely performed this work with many other great Cellists, and now here he was doing it again with Ms. Weilerstein!
Details of this DVD are:
Europa Konzert 2010 from Oxford
Recorded live at Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, on 1 May 2010
- Brahms:
Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Elgar:
Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85
Alisa Weilerstein (cello) - Wagner:
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude to Act 3
The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Daniel Barenboim
For over 20 years, the Berliner Philharmoniker celebrated their founding on May 1st with their annual “Europa Konzert”, and this year’s concert took place in Oxford. When you see the wonderful Sheldonian Theatre, you’ll be amazed at its design and beauty. The orchestra under the baton of renowned musician Daniel Barenboim, welcomed cellist Alisa Weilerstein who has attracted widespread attention for a playing that combines natural virtuoso capability and technical precision with impassioned musicianship.
The program started with the Wagner, and we hear plush strings and outstanding brass perform the third-act prelude to Wagner’s Die Meistersinger. Then came the Elgar, where we heard cellist Alisa Weilerstein perform this work in a serious, competent way. For a reason I cannot yet explain, however, I was not all that moved by this performance.
What DID really impress me was how the Berlin Philharmonic played the Brahms’ First Symphony, its phrases created in great expressive arcs with every detail and woodwind solos beautifully presented. This group has clearly played this masterpiece hundreds of times, yet the freshness, drama, and intimacy which Brahms created were all there for us to appreciate!
Here is another fine conductor, Simon Rattle, conducting the Berliner Philharmoniker in Brahms’ Symphony No. 1:
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Tags: Weilerstein, Barenboim, Brahms, Elgar, Wagner
I just heard Alissa Weilerstein playing the Elgar with Daniel Barenboim at Oxford on Arte French Arts Channel.
I TOATLLY disagree with your critisism of her playing of this concerto. At times I was moved to tears. I am a performing duo-pianist and former student of Nadia Boulanger at the Fontainebleau conservatory (in the 1960’s). Please support young talented artists and don’t knock them down by your pessimistic, arrogant criticism. Thanks for that!..M. Viger
I just heard Alissa Weilerstein playing the Elgar with Daniel Barenboim at Oxford on Arte French Arts Channel.
I TOATLLY disagree with your critisism of her playing of this concerto. At times I was moved to tears. I am a performing duo-pianist and former student of Nadia Boulanger at the Fontainebleau conservatory (in the 1960’s). Please support young talented artists and don’t knock them down by your pessimistic, arrogant criticism. Thanks for that!..M. Viger