Johannes Moser
Review: De Waart, Moser, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra bring emotion to unforgettable Russian classics
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
By Elaine Schmidt
“Moser is a great fit for the big, raw emotions of the Shostakovich concerto. From the very first notes, he brought a big, commanding sound and unfailing sense of purpose and direction to the piece. The concerto is huge, demanding power, stamina, technical precision and, in the second movement, some extremely delicate, lyrical playing. Moser gave a fierce rendition of the first movement, bringing constant drama and passion to the piece’s bold lines. Like a musical chameleon, he turned to the second movement with an introspective quality and an almost vocal sound from the cello. He brought a relentless intensity and energy to the piece’s final two movements, releasing the piece’s last note with a bow-arm gesture that looked as though it had cued the audience cheers that followed.”