Oslo Philharmonic

The Oslo Philharmonic’s stripped-down opera performance let the music speak for itself … With text and music, Bartok creates clear images in the mind of the listener … It’s powerful. We don’t need more … That it worked this way (in concert) was thanks to chief conductor Klaus Mäkelä’s sense of suspense. He kept the orchestra in a quivering limbo much of the time, as if they themselves didn’t know how it was going to end. Such pinpoint playing gave strength to the extreme swings. The treasure trove glittered and the wilderness raged … Mäkelä emphasised the different voices so clearly and distinctly that it was like seeing the score in front of you. Truly brilliant, world-class playing. 

Aftenposten, Maren Østravik, 23 February 2024

Programme:
Franz Schubert / Gustav Mahler: Der Tod und das Mädchen
Béla Bartók: Bluebeard’s Castle
Soloists: Jennifer Johnston (soprano), Gerald Finley (baritone)