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Lev Bratishenko

MUSIC

Caviar and a Big Mac

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VIOLINIST GIL SHAHAM, MSO

by Lev Bratishenko
13.05.2009

The Montreal Symphony Orchestra is many things under Kent Nagano, but its repertoire is never less than varied. Tuesday’s concert was an enjoyable example of the rewards and pitfalls of his taste. It started promisingly, wallowed for an hour and then flew up, up and into the eaves to do wonderful things.

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MUSIC

A Tale Lacking Sound and Fury

MACBETH, OPERA DE MONTREAL

by Lev Bratishenko
03.02.2009

VERDI’S MACBETH is a difficult early work. The premiere last week of Opéra de Montreal’s new production, a collaboration with Opera Australia, was an undignified birth.

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MUSIC

Of Jungle Cats and Cherubs

BEETHOVEN, DEBUSSY, BARTOK: MSO

by Lev Bratishenko
02.12.2008

KENT NAGANO HAS BEEN Musical Director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra for over a year—time enough to ask, where has he taken us? In terms of programming, last week’s concert could stand for many of that year: super-standards mixed with shorter works, and the occasional grenade. Nagano certainly understands the necessity of throwing pineapples; with [...]

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