11th August 2024
Royal Albert Hall, London, United Kingdom
BRAHMS Violin Concerto
SCHUBERT Symphony No. 9 "Great"
Anne-Sophie Mutter (violin)
West–Eastern Divan Orchestra
Daniel Barenboim (conductor)
MOTHER IS STILL MOTHERING. I last saw Anne-Sophie Mutter play the Brahms "Violin Concerto" in 2004. 20 years on, she still owns the piece, this time with Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. This is so much more than a concert of legendary performers, but 1) a 25th anniversary celebration of an orchestra comprising Arab and Israeli musicians that demonstrates peace is possible through dialogue, mutual respect and understanding, a message more relevant now than ever; and 2) the miraculous and triumphant return of a musical giant diagnosed with a serious neurological condition two years ago. Barenboim is frail, needed to be supported by Mutter to get on stage to conduct on a stool. It was special to be able to witness once more an old-fashioned rendition of the German Romantic warhorse. I can't think of many performances of the Brahms these 20 years that are as physical and full-bodied as Mutter's tonight, and nothing has sounded as sweet as that high D in the slow movement, even though the orchestral involvement was mostly lethargic and had to rely on Mutter driving the concerto. It was also poignant to realise that this kind of personalities and playing styles are stepping into the twilight zone right in front of our very eyes and when they are gone, there is no more. Mutter offered a sarabande from a Bach partita as a prayer for peace as encore. After the interval, Schubert's "Great" C major was lively, full of authoritative, regal vitality that prevented it from being a relentless, repetitive, hour-long bore. The Beethoven quote in the last movement really stood out. Barenboim's conducting gestures were minimal, but still commanded some sharp responses from the orchestra. Perhaps well past his prime, but it was still more invigorating than some recordings I heard over the weekend. It might be a twilight, but it's one that still glows beautifully, and one hopes it keeps shining, long enough to see the horrendous conflicts we see daily get permanently resolved.
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