New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert with Thomas Hampson

(Avery Fisher Hall, 31 December 2009)

The soloist, Thomas Hampson, keeps a distance between himself, a baritone opera singer, and the characters that he voices. Even when the distance is minimal (as in Cole Porter's "Where is the Life that Late I Led?"), the voice comes across foremost as a musical instrument, only then as an individual.

In symphony orchestras, in contrast to jazz bands, players take no visible initiative in creating the mood; only the conductor innovates. Furthermore, bound by tradition, the conductor innovates minimally, without changing the arrangement. Hence, it may be too much to expect Alan Gilbert to improvise and swing it in every work, but more passion in his interpretations would be admissible. Adherence to the tradition was entirely appropriate, however, in the Yuletide hymn, conducted by Gilbert and sung by all present to conclude the night.

Porter and Gershwin, two of the three featured composers, have become most American by trying not to be such and failing at it. In the programme, their work outshines most of Copeland's, except his song "Simple Gifts."