Saturday, September 19, 2026

Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA

K482, a magnificent way to start the Bostonians’ new season (I am assuming this programme had already been played on Thursday evening and Friday afternoon). For this Saturday account, Andris Nelsons and the BSO opened the E-flat Piano Concerto (No.22) with timpani and winds to the fore – celebratory – introducing Emanuel Ax, a Mozartean master (of course), deft, shapely, maybe with a story to tell, certainly he invested narration and a range of characterisation into his playing, he and the orchestra interacting collegiately as the first movement thrusted along without compromising articulacy or the music’s inherent expansiveness. I believe the splendid cadenza to be Mr. Ax’s own. How beautiful, spacious and eloquent the Andante – more an Adagio here – from the soul to the soul, refulgent strings and notable flute and bassoon contributions, the music somehow intangible yet humanly communicative. Then the masterstroke, the perfectly-judged moderate tempo for the Finale to aid clarity, wit, and embrace the interpolated slow minuet at the movement’s heart, featuring woodwinds of distinction.

I heard the beginning of enthusiastic applause if not CRB’s announcer, let alone any encore Ax might have played – for sleep had claimed me (five-hour time difference) and didn’t let go until the fantastique had finished.