THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA Bernstein - Tchaikovsky Jerusalem International Convention Center June 5

The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Yannick Nezet-Seguin, on its Israel tour appropriately opened its concert with a 20th century American work – Leonard Bernstein’s Age of Anxiety Symphony for piano and orchestra.

Pensive, calm passages alternate with forceful, aggressive, jazz-inspired ones until culminating, at long last, in an overpowering dissonant chord. This, presumably, is the “Anxiety” that Bernstein had in mind. Solo pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performed the work with dazzling virtuosity and sensitive expression.

On more familiar ground was Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. The Philadelphia emerged as a virtuoso orchestra – if such a thing at all exists. Tempi were forward-driving, with never a dull moment. Articulation was clear-cut, with deliberate small rests for the sake of plasticity. Split-second accuracy was phenomenal, without sounding pedantic.

Transparency was perfect, even in the most intricate tone combinations. Instrumental soli were extremely polished and elegant, with abundant minute tone colors. Significant themes were highlighted by soft, almost inaudible dynamics, instead of the more common strong, loud renditions.

Above all, contrasts were forceful and sudden, sometimes where one hardly expected them. It was an extraordinary performance, as though hearing this over-popular work for the first time. Quite an achievement!