What's better than Beethoven?
by WildcardCIS on 7/11/11The Mann Center - Philadelphia--Pre-concert dinner at Crescendo on the top of the hill at the Mann Center was excellent. We were walk-ins. Great view of the Philadelphia skyline. Food prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering was excellent. --A *long* walk down the steps to our orchestra seats (Section A Center). Orchestra played well with only a few minor problems (e.g., French horns). Conductor Arild Remmereit did not use a score for Egmont nor for Beethoven's 5th, though he did use it for Piano Concerto No. 3. I did not agree with all his decisions (dynamics, tempo, etc.) but overall it was fine. (Grade: B+) A well-deserved standing ovation after the 5th, but how could one not like the 5th? Mr. Remmereit had each and every section of the orchestra stand in turn for applause. --Piano soloist Teo Gheorghiu was technically okay but uninspired and uninspiring. There may have been some sound system problems (i.e., not picking up the piano sound) but from our seats the piano was generally overpowered and NEVER loud enough. It was peculiar that Mr. Gheorghiu took a piano solo encore (non-Beethoven in the evening advertised as "All Beethoven") right after the Beethoven concerto. --Moderate amount of traffic and delay to get out of the parking lot. Some more people to direct traffic at the PARK EXITS would have been very helpful. --Overall a most enjoyable evening.