Lenox — If you have never witnessed a live performance of Igor Stravinsky’s ”Rite of Spring” from one of the great orchestras of the world, then you have something truly wonderful to look forward to at Tanglewood this Friday, August 9. In fact, I envy you for the experience of hearing it for the first time—not only because “Rite” is probably the most important work of probably the most important composer of the 20th century, but also because, without even considering its high standing among the greatest of orchestral works, the piece is incredibly fun to listen to: From the first note to the last, “Rite” overflows with everything you hope for in a piece of orchestral concert music. Also, Stravinsky’s pathbreaking ballet is as memorable as any orchestral work written since the time before there were orchestras. Even people who hate it can never forget it. So, when the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs “Rite,” you have the makings of an unforgettable, over-the-top listening experience.
Although the BSO musicians prefer to play “Rite” with a conductor, their familiarity with the piece goes a long way towards nailing another performance of it. And their familiarity runs deep. BSO bassist Joe Hearn told me, “We had two colleagues when I joined the orchestra who had played the premiere: Louis Spire on English horn, and Henry Girrard on double bass, played at the Paris premiere of ‘Rite of Spring’ … We know the piece and have played it for generations and can pretty much put it together.”
The BSO as an organization deserves credit for having a greater affinity for Stravinsky than any other American orchestra. Guest conductors are mindful of this and show respect for the BSO’s institutional knowledge.
Here is what is playing in the Shed this weekend:
Friday
- Rachmaninoff — Piano Concerto No. 3, Kirill Gerstein, piano
- Stravinsky — “The Rite Of Spring”
- Alan Gilbert, conductor
Saturday
- Sibelius (Arr. Stravinsky) — Canzonetta
- Stravinsky — Violin Concerto, Leila Josefowicz, violin
- Sibelius — Symphony No. 5
- Dalia Stasevska, conductor
Sunday
- Anna Clyne — “Sound And Fury”
- Mozart — “Padre, Germani, Addio!” from “Idomeneo”
- Mozart — “Deh Vieni, Non Tardar” from “The Marriage Of Figaro”
- Mahler — Symphony No. 4
- James Gaffigan, conductor
It is safe to say that all the other pieces on this weekend’s schedule will be eclipsed by “The Rite of Spring,” with the possible exception of Stravinsky’s own arrangement of Sibelius’ Canzonetta and, of course, the composer’s own violin concerto. And, to be honest, it could be argued that Rachmaninoff’s third piano concerto, often considered one of the greatest ever written and one of the most demanding pieces in the piano repertoire, can’t be eclipsed by anything but the composer’s own work. But then, neither can Sibelius’ 5th symphony. So, on second thought, maybe “eclipse” isn’t the right word. How about “overshadowed”? In any case, “The Rite of Spring” is, without doubt, one of the very brightest stars in the musical universe.
Saturday features Stravinsky’s violin concerto, and on Sunday, we have an example of what some have dubbed “Mahler Lite.” Gustav Mahler’s fourth requires a smaller orchestra than his other symphonies, so the overall sound is lighter and more transparent, with a relatively sanguine character. It is lighter, also, thematically and is probably the only symphony to feature a soprano soloist in the last movement.
At Tanglewood this weekend, hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra perform Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” with Rachmaninoff’s third concerto on Friday, August 9; Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 on Saturday, August 10; and Gustav Mahler’s fourth symphony on Sunday, August 11. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are available here.
