James Levine is back!
Recorded live on May 19, 2013, this concert marked maestro James Levine’s return to the stage after a two-year absence because of his injury. His entrance on the stage of Carnegie Hall was greeted with a standing ovation, which led into a concert that met with near universal audience and critical praise.
A winner of 10 Grammy Awards, 5 of which were with the MET, James Levine has, since his 1971 company debut, led the ensemble to become one of the premiere orchestras in the world today.
This release coincides with the opening of the Metropolitan Operas 2013-14 season. This season will mark Levine’s first performances at the opera house in over two years where he will lead three opera productions.
The guest artist at this concert was pianist Evgeny Kissin, a frequent collaborator with Levine.
Program details:
Disc 1:
1. Wagner: Lohengrin – Prelude
2. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4 in G, Op.58 – Allegro moderato
3. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4 in G, Op.58 – Andante con moto
4. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.4 in G, Op.58 – Rondo (Vivace)
5. Beethoven: Rondo a capriccio, Op. 129 “Rage Over A Lost Penny”
Disk 2:
1. Schubert: Symphony No.9 in C, D.944 – “The Great” – Andante – Allegro ma non troppo – Più moto
2. Schubert: Symphony No.9 in C, D.944 – “The Great” – Andante con moto
3. Schubert: Symphony No.9 in C, D.944 – “The Great” – Scherzo – Allegro vivace – Trio
4. Schubert: Symphony No.9 in C, D.944 – “The Great” – Allegro vivace
Here is a video from September 24th, 2013 of James Levine conducting the Overture to Mozart’s opera “Cosi fan Tutte”, for the first time after his 2-year absence:
And next, here is an excerpt from Act I of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” conducted by James Levine in his first Met performance in two years. Cast: Susanna Phillips, Danielle de Niese, Isabel Leonard, and more:
Tags: James Levine, recovery, return, MET, Cosi fan tutte, Mozart