BSO presents Schoenberg
By Keith Powers
Friday, February 24, 2006 - Updated: 12:53 AM EST
Schoenberg ain’t so scary. Not with James Levine and the Boston Symphony Orchestra to illustrate how the modern master of the most controversial music of the 20th century might actually be tuneful, approachable and fully enjoyable.
This all took place last night at Symphony Hall, where Levine and the band presented Schoenberg’s incomparable oratorio, “Gurrelieder.” The performance proved this frequently feared, often mistaken, sadly underappreciated composer must be accepted, appreciated and welcomed into the standard repertory.
James Levine is a genius. He challenges his orchestra, his audience, his soloists - even himself. And we’re all the better for that. In this effort he had help. Twenty years at the Metropolitan Opera has given him, let’s say most modestly, a great appreciation for great singers. And so in presenting a monumental work like “Gurrelieder,” Levine had help. Like the incomparable soprano Karita Mattila, singing the tragic love object Tove. And the magnificent Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, who somehow overcame all the problems that have caused her to cancel nearly every engagement this season and perform incredibly as the Wood-Dove. And finally, this evening’s true vocal star, helden-tenor Johan Botha, singing the male lead, Waldemar, with nobility, aplomb and, without a doubt, huge and gorgeous voice.
“Gurrelieder” is an oratorio about a Danish myth: A king has an illicit affair, his lover is killed and his mourning involves not only the underworld but also all the past and future. The first half seems simple: only the king (Botha), his lover (Matilla) and the orchestra. Simple but dramatically and musically complex. While they sing - each in their turn, the stage never set for the couple, but for the soloists one after another - one realizes that their fate is doomed.
It is. And it’s brought to life by the music - an incredible score that brings the voices out of the orchestra in novel, intricate ways. But also by the text, an unrepentantly Romantic setting by Danish poet Jens Peter Jacobsen, underscoring the impossible nature of this loving relationship.
Michael Steinberg’s erudite liner notes reminded this listener of a Schoenberg anecdote that is truly telling. When the composer joined the Austrian army before World War I, an officer inquired whether he were the Arnold Schoenberg. The composer replied that nobody else wanted to be, so he took the job.
Someone else wants the job. His name is James Levine.
Boston Symphony Orchestra, Conducted by James Levine, at Symphony Hall, last night; repeats tonight and tomorrow.
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