Jeremy Denk revels in Anna Clyne’s ATLAS with the New Jersey Symphony

May 21, 2024

Jeremy Denk joined Markus Stenz and the New Jersey Symphony to perform the East Coast Premiere of Anna Clyne’s ATLAS in Morristown, Princeton and Newark in a program that featured Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” Courtney Smith of NJArts.net reviewed the piece Denk performed with the Symphony at NJPAC.

While it is punishing for the pianist, it is not written in a flashy virtuosic or bravura style. It is clear-headed and vigorous, and well matched to the stylistically assured Denk, as free in his expressive language as Clyne. He never placed himself in front of the composition and needed no score.

Courtney Smith of NJArts.net

» Read the full review from NJArts.net

Ralph Malachowski of PhillyGayCalendar reviewed the performance of ATLAS in Princeton.

ATLAS was fresh, inventive, and inviting, mesmerizing our attention to its many beauties. Indeed, the composer drank Maurice Ravel’s Kool-Aid, with some Bartok and Bernstein stirred in. Pianist Jeremy Denk dared to excite us further, with excellent technique and loving bravado. The intricacies of the score held no obstacles for this handsome young man throughout. It is no wonder that the audience poured their acclaim upon him like a waterfall, with him responding by playing an encore, a piece by Scott Joplin. The orchestra, Mr. Denk, Ms. Clyne, and Maestro Stenz were all brilliant.

Ralph Malachowski of PhillyGayCalendar

» Read the full review from PhillyGayCalendar