Dvorak Symphony no.7
Van Alphen’s alert energy and awareness were in-suppressible, achieving a masterful blend of syncopation between parts. Van Alphen demonstrated the answer to a fundamental question – What really is conducting? What’s it for? Everything is written in the music, accelerandi, diminuendi, fortissimo, piano, why a conductor? With only minimal tempo indication, his movements for the most part convey his interpretation of nuance, flavour, texture, subtle changes of crispness or sweetness that could never be included in a score. Although the composer has long left this world, I found this performance fresh and original, and very much alive.
Andy Wilding (#ClassicalReview)
