Joshua Bell does it all in an impressive performance with the New Jersey Symphony
Joshua Bell took on the roles of concertmaster, soloist and conductor as he led the New Jersey Symphony in performances of Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Violin Concerto before closing with Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony. James C. Taylor of NJ Advance Media would review the performance at NJPAC.
It was an impressive performance. Bell made the music sound appropriately dramatic but also graceful and sweet. He and the New Jersey Symphony musicians mostly were in-sync throughout, delivering an energetic performance that was not lacking in beauty. If one were to quibble, it’s that Bell as a conductor feels like he’s simply playing the orchestra. No small task — and it was his first time leading the orchestra at NJPAC. But as a soloist, when he’s on — as he was on Thursday — he doesn’t sound like he’s playing anything. The music and him are simply one.
James C. Taylor of NJ Advance Media
» Read the full review from NJ Advance Media
Courtney Smith would also give her review of the performance for NJArts.net.
If classical music were a sport, Joshua Bell would be a triathlete. His latest performance with New Jersey Symphony was a triathlon of sorts and featured the famed violinist in three distinct roles as concertmaster, soloist and conductor.
Courtney Smith of NJArts.net