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In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela in Boston!!!

Post Subject: "Fresh" Beethoven 7Posted by Paul S on: 1/30/2011

Last night as I lay down in bed I checked what was on the local PBS FM, using my headphones. Beethoven's 7th Symphony was near the end of the first movement, and it was being played well enough that I continued listening through to the end.

I was trying to figure out what orchestra was playing, thinking maybe St. Louis, Dallas or Minniapolis was having a good night under a visiting conductor, but it turned out to be young Dudamel directing The Venezuelan Kids! I have to say, these kids are VERY disciplined! I was thinking it was a very focused, "professional" pop-ish sound from American adults, at least, a little restrained, but quite precise, without making a big deal out of that.

I have heard Dudamel with LA many times, and generally I am not really thrilled with the smooth, pop-type sound that is so.... pop-ular these days. But somehow I found The Kids' version to be more interesting than what I have heard so far from the current beloved-by-LA-gentry "new" LA Phil under the same director. Maybe it is a certain "freshness"?

Paul S

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