Concert Review: In the Brisk Mid-Winter

Alan Gilbert conducts the New York Philharmonic.
by Paul J. Pelkonen

Lisa Batiashvili nd friend. Photo by Anja Meara © 2013 Deutsche Grammophon.

There are two ways for a modern symphony orchestra to play Beethoven. An orchestra can make his music the main focus, usually featuring at least one of the symphonies and maybe a concerto. The other: juxtaposing Beethoven with other composers, putting his work in context. This week's Philharmonic program (heard Friday night under the baton of music director Alan Gilbert) took the latter approach, alternating Beethoven compositions with works by Shostakovich and Gershwin.