(Reuters) - American violin virtuoso Joshua Bell was named music director of the world-renowned Academy of St Martin in the Fields chamber orchestra on Friday, replacing Sir Neville Marriner, who founded it half a century ago.
"Joshua is very much the orchestra's choice," Marriner, 87, said at a press briefing announcing that Bell, exactly half his age, would take up the post in September as only the second music director since Marriner founded the ensemble in 1958.
"The orchestra has spoken and they want to work with Josh. They had a choice, so they obviously admire him," Marriner said.
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One of my favorite performing groups, and I'm glad to see this move. I think one of their greatest strengths has been Sir Neville Marriners strong artistic influence over the group for over fifty years now. I hope this will usher in a new era for the group, not a passing fancy. Too many orchestras these days shuffle through conductors like fashion. I'm a strong believer in the benefits of focus and continuity in an ensemble. We'll see what the future holds.
Hopefully the best, because I love the recordings this ensemble produces. It would be a sad day if the end of Sir Neville Marriner's association with the group on a regular basis began to affect the ensemble's high quality.
Hey John, I'm not familiar with this group's work. Can you recommend some tracks, preferably that I can find on iTunes? Also, I've heard of Josh Bell, but again, I haven't listened to a lot of stuff with him. I know I've seen some of his recordings on iTunes, but are there any you would recommend? I ask because, frankly, we're on an incredibly tight budget right now.
ReplyDeleteWith the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, frankly, I would say anything. Have you seen the movie Amadeus? If so, you've heard their work. They recorded the sound track. (Which I have no doubt is available on iTunes.) I honestly haven't heard anything they've played that I disliked. Now, granted, they primarily play chamber and small orchestral works, so they're mostly baroque and classical. There is an excellent recording of Mozart's Requiem out there. They have, on occasion, expanded their sections enough to play larger masterworks from later periods. Brahms, Strauss, even Stravinsky. But they were founded as an earlier period ensemble, and I do think that's their strength.
ReplyDeleteBut I really don't think you can go wrong with them. Really, anything. They're just quality all around.
As far as Joshua Bell goes, I've certainly heard him before, but he's not one I know super well in terms of his recordings. You'd have to ask someone who's a little more full time on the violin side of things than I am.
It was an interesting choice to me. Joshua Bell is known for his perfect (or near perfect) pitch, and his energy in live performances. He's one of the few classical performers who still manages to sell out concerts on a regular basis. He truly is a child prodigy. It'll be interesting to see where he takes the ensemble.
Cool, thanks!
ReplyDelete