It’s funny how you often hear people refer to bands who have been around for a while as institutions - The Rolling Stones are one such example - but if that’s what you’d call the Stones, hoe on earth do you describe something like the Berlin Philharmonic? This orchestra has been around since 1882, and is frequently voted by well-respected polls to be in the top ten orchestras in Europe. Since 2002, they’ve been conducted by British legend Sir Simon Rattle, a man who has become synonymous with the summer Proms in London at the Royal Albert Hall; he’s brought a contemporary edge to the ensemble, something that’s become increasingly evident over the past decade or so under his stewardship. He’ll step down from the role in 2018, and precisely what lies next is unclear; for now, though, expect vivacious and consistently lively takes on the classics from the orchestra, as well as the ability to inject genuine delicacy into classic pieces as and when necessary; this is a musical tour-de-force that’s difficult to rival anywhere.
Brian Newman
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