BSO at Home Heroic Performances: Seiji Ozawa's Final BSO Performances
When:
Sunday, May 03, 2020 3:00p -
Sunday, May 10, 2020 3:00p
Sunday, May 03, 2020 3:00p -
Sunday, May 10, 2020 3:00p
Where:
Online event
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Music, Virtual & Streaming
Event website:
https://www.bso.org/brands/bso/at-home/bso-at-home-heroic-performances-may-3.aspx
Seiji Ozawa led his final concerts In Symphony Hall as BSO Music Director in April 2002. His 29 years as the BSO’s leader was the longest in its history, surpassing even Serge Koussevitzky’s legendary tenure. After stepping down from his BSO position, Maestro Ozawa was named the orchestra’s Music Director Laureate – a title he still holds.
Strong emotions are palpable in this farewell performance as Ozawa takes the stage. After greeting the musicians, he gathers himself briefly before turning to face the audience, which rises to a standing ovation before the performance begins. Famous for conducting from memory with his score closed on the music stand, Ozawa conducts as though dancing, his movements expressively elegant. Time seems suspended in the finale, which features some of the most moving music in the symphonic repertoire.
Ozawa’s strong connection to Mahler is well documented in his recordings with the BSO of the composer’s complete symphonies. He chose the Ninth Symphony for his final concerts as music director in part for its famously valedictory mood. Mahler was very much aware of his own mortality when he began the symphony in 1909 and completed it in April 1910, a few months before his 50th birthday. It was the last piece he finished. Although in its opening movement and finale the symphony seems to contemplate mortality as well as what lies beyond death, the second and third movements delve deeply into the energy, humor, and sweetness of life.
Stream the concert here for a limited time: https://youtu.be/g2c7BbbVmkk
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