I am writing in response to Ed Reichel's review of the Utah Symphony's performance of Bruckner's 6th Symphony and Mozart's 21st Piano Concerto performed April 7 and 8.
I don't know who he is to say such terrible things about the Utah Symphony. These concerts were terrific, and the audience loved them. It is a shame that the Deseret News has someone on its staff who writes such trash.The arts are already in a world of hurt without some "critic" making people want to attend fewer of the functions the arts provides. His article does very little to promote people to go to the symphony. Actually, he is discouraging people.
Personally, I thought that Alan Gilbert gave a wonderful reading of the Bruckner 6th, and anyone who knows Bruckner knows that the brass needs to be loud.
Second, Mozart was charming and witty. That is exactly what Fazil Say's cadenzas brought to Mozart's piano concerto. It is my opinion that Mr. Reichel did not know the music that he reviewed (in particular, the Bruckner).
I think he should be scolded for his review and offer the Utah Symphony an apology for the libels he has committed.
Mr. Reichel, did you listen to Bruckner's 6th Symphony every day for a month in preparation for that evening's performance? I did, and I thought the performance was incredible.
Trevor Gillespie
Bountiful