Two of the world’s most recognized pianists are stopping by Philadelphia this week, in a heavyweight battle between musicians who provide completely different angles of artistry. Fortunately, the two concerts are not on the same night, if you really want to compare and contrast. If you’d rather avoid it altogether, we have three more options for you, or maybe consider a concert by the Philadelphia Orchestra with some repertoire staples.
Spotlight: Lang Lang — March 23, Marian Anderson Hall
In order to share excitement about a performer or recording, we often assign honorifics such as “the world’s best, most renowned, greatest, etc.” I admit to overdoing this myself, however with Lang Lang there’s no such thing. He is a true rockstar of classical music who has broken the barrier into popular culture.
His visit this week to Philadelphia for a solo recital is a bit of a homecoming, after moving here from China at age 15 to attend the Curtis Institute of Music. His rockstar persona transcends into his high-stakes musicianship and choice of repertoire. This concert certainly plays to Lang Lang’s strengths, and includes Robert Schuman’s deeply dramatic work Kreisleriana. The second half of the program contains many short and flashy works by Chopin, including his famous Mazurkas. If there was one pianist who would make Marian Anderson Hall feel like too small of a venue for a solo piano recital, Lang Lang is him.
March 23 at 7 p.m., Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, $81-$239; tickets and information.
Nevermind — Tuesday, Benjamin Franklin Hall
J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations, originally written for clavichord, have received a dizzying amount of transcriptions and arrangements in recent years, ranging from brass ensemble to marimba, and even harp. Some of these fall under the category of “just because you can doesn't mean you should.” However, the rendition done by the early music ensemble Nevermind is one to give attention to. Coming from France, they are a quartet made up of lute, violin, viola da gamba, and harpsichord who see themselves as charming ambassadors of the period instrument/early music scene. The concert itself is a little under 90 minutes and only contains the Goldberg Variations. Splitting the lines originally written for two hands among four instrumentalists gives even more room for smooth melodic lines and deeper levels of musical phrasing, which displays Nevermind’s biggest strengths.
March 18 at 7:30 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Hall, American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut Street, sold out, but call 215-569-8080 or email boxoffice@pcmsconcerts.org to join the waitlist; tickets and information.
Leif Ove Andsnes — Friday, Perelman Theater
In the other corner of the ring for this week’s match of the piano heavyweights is Leif Ove Andsnes, hailing from Norway. For those with an aversion to razzle-dazzle, he might be your guy. Andsnes is a strong advocate for the music of his fellow countryman, Edvard Grieg. In this regard, he will give the audience what they want to hear with the first piece on the program, Grieg’s Piano Sonata, Op. 7. The second piece is another sonata by 20th century Norwegian composer Geirr Tveitt, which is sure to be another show of his national pride. The concert closes with a crowd-pleaser that is perhaps a bit more familiar: Chopin’s 24 Preludes.
March 21 at 7:30 p.m., Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, sold out, but call 215-569-8080 or email boxoffice@pcmsconcerts.org to join the waitlist; tickets and information.
BrAVA Philadelphia — Friday, Marian Anderson Hal
Opera fans are not to be forgotten this week with the Academy of Vocal Arts 90th Anniversary Celebration and Gala. The gala part of the event will cost you from $250-2,000 per person, and is a great opportunity to support one of Philly’s most venerated musical institutions if you have the means. However, don’t let this scare you away. The concert itself, taking place in Marian Anderson Hall, has normally priced tickets starting at $35. What you’ll get in return is a greatest hits concert of excerpts from the masterpieces of the opera repertoire: The Barber of Seville, La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, La Bohème, and Don Giovanni. AVA pulled out all the stops for this one, inviting some of their most accomplished alumni, their current roster of Resident Artists, and a full-sized orchestra to perform. For those who love opera but don’t always feel like sitting through a full 3 hour work, this one is for you.
March 21 at 8 p.m., Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, $18-$53.57; tickets and information.
All Excellent and Esteemed — Friday through March 23, Various Locations
Philadelphia’s own renaissance band, Piffaro, has for decades been a steady force for period-instrument performances. With their deep level of expertise and musicality, they are absolutely not to be taken for granted. There’s no better time to check them out than in this exploration of the Bassano family, who were employed by King Henry VIII’s court in the 16th century. Several members of this family were poached straight from Venice to work in his court as wind musicians and instrument builders. Others remained in Italy, giving them deep influence over two of the biggest musical centers of the renaissance era. The repertoire of this concert will bring you back to both locales with music written by Bassano family members and others. One of the pieces, “Dances” by Augustine Bassano, might even make you want to move in your seat a bit.
March 21 at 7:30 p.m., Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 23 South 38th Street;
March 22 at 7:30 p.m., Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Avenue;
March 23 at 3 p.m., Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 Buck Road, Wilmington, DE, $25-$49; tickets and information.
