Tuesday, November 6, 2012

I went to Midori's recital at Cleveland Institute of Music last night. My review on Cleveland Classical is here.

It was incredible playing, astoundingly controlled. Her bow hand is unbelievable.

But oddly, the fire was not there, even in the Kreutzer.

My pet peeve (you've heard this before): don't program the most intense piece for the end of the concert. Ears like mine get tired. Performers get tired. The juice runs out.

I think the second part of the first half is the key: it's when we're warmed up as listeners, and at our most attentive.

Frankly, I think recitals should be shorter, too: under two hours. We pay a lot  to hear these performers, but we don't pay by the minute.

More thoughts from readers are welcome!