Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra Unofficial

Nelsons Respects the Beauty of the Wandhaus Orchestra, and Rides the Modern World
Andris Nelsons has quickly risen to become one of the leading conductors of our time, having distinguished himself in both orchestral and operatic roles with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Bayreuth Festival. It seems like only yesterday that Andris Nelsons was appointed Chief Conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 2018, following his appointment to the prestigious Boston Symphony Orchestra, and has captured the attention of the classical world. Since becoming the chef of these two orchestras, I am very happy to see that the number of opportunities for him to visit Japan has been increasing. The Richard Strauss Project, which both orchestras have created in cooperation with each other, has come to us with monumental significance at a time when the Corona disaster has forced us to rethink the fundamental meaning of music appreciation.

　Even in this age of orchestral mobility and globalization, the sound of the orchestras led by Nelsons retains the beauty it once possessed. The Gewandhaus Orchestra is able to make Mendelssohn and Schumann, both of which are associated with Leipzig, sound neatly, while Wagner and Bruckner are portrayed with great gravity. Nelsons has given the utmost respect and care to these unique musical characteristics.

In the Bruckner symphonies that he has recorded with the Gewandhaus Orchestra, Wagner's works are always included. Now is the time for us to witness the true meaning and persuasiveness of this fact in the concert hall.

Daisuke Hirose (Musicology, Music Criticism)