The Chicago Tribune’s review of James’ recent Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance is available. The repertoire was Avner Dorman’s US premiere of Eternal Rhythm and Shostakovich’s 8th Symphony. Here’s a peek:
“Gaffigan offered an intense, full-throated reading, with an emphasis on galvanic fortissimos, fiercely stated string playing and extreme dynamic contrasts. He seemed intent on keeping the music moving along, especially in the enormous first movement, but he did not sacrifice the profundities of its final pages.
Gaffigan conjured rhetorical fervor in the allegretto second movement; benefited from thrilling brass section virtuosity in the third; and plumbed the darker recesses of the largo fourth movement, its message crystallized by principal clarinet Stephen Williamson’s muted, amber lines.
In all, this was Shostakovich’s Eighth as an outcry, perhaps more extravagant than necessary but ultimately effective.” -Chicago Tribune, full review available here.
