Season opening of the Basel Symphony Orchestra – THE OPERA MAGAZINE

Basel Symphony Orchestra/XdMaistre/Photo: Benno Hunziker

In its first concert to open the season, the Basel Symphony Orchestra offered an encounter with a noble instrument: the “Concerto for Harp and Orchestra in E flat major, op. 74” by Reinhold Moritzewitsch Glière from 1938. The harp is usually a part of the orchestra and is popular because of its beautiful sound. However, there is rarely an opportunity to hear a work entirely dedicated to this instrument. (Review of the 2024/25 season opening concert)

With Xavier de Maistrewho is performing as artist in residence with the symphony orchestra this season, one of the world’s most famous harpists was able to experience. He is known for his versatility and willingness to experiment and is rightly considered an important ambassador for the harp.

Gliére composed this concerto at a difficult time, when the world in Europe was darkening dramatically. His longing for beauty and harmony is strongly expressed in his harp concerto. Xavier de Maistre played the work, which was partly melancholic and in places reminiscent of Russian folk music, with great virtuosity and filled the room with magical sound.

Basel Symphony Orchestra/XdMaistre/Photo: Benno Hunziker

The audience’s reaction was pure enthusiasm. The artist thanked them with a charming encore of “Le Carnaval de Venise” in the version by the harp virtuoso Félix Godefroid. He showed what fascinating sound facets this magnificent instrument contains and with what incredible virtuosity he succeeds in coaxing the finest tones from the noble instrument.

Xavier de Maistre will be appearing again on December 1st in the orchestra’s Advent concert.

Before the harp concert, the composition “Salve” by Andrea Lorenzo Scartazzini was played, which he had composed as a commission from the orchestra for the opening of the remodeled music hall in 2020. On the one hand, “Salve” is a Latin greeting. On the other hand, it is also used as a salute or gun salute at important events and is therefore a good fit for a ceremonial opening. The composer wants to express both with his work.

Basel Symphony Orchestra/I. Bolton/Photo: Benno Hunziker

After the break, Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4 in E minor, op. 98” from 1885 was performed. This symphony did not have an easy time at the beginning, as a sarcastic text was sung in Vienna over the opening bars: “Once again, he couldn’t think of anything.” What was considered abstract at the time is now probably one of Brahms’ most popular symphonies. Ivor Bolton once again led the orchestra with great energy and offered a convincing rendition of this famous work.

This is Ivor Bolton’s last season in Basel, which he will enrich with further concerts.

It is worth it Program of the Basel Symphony Orchestra to look closely.