In inspiring back-to-back weekends, the renowned conductor takes on Brahms and Schoenberg, showing that age is no barrier to expressing his love for classical music.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12-13-2024
Born in 1936 in Bombay, Zubin Mehta is nothing short of a 21st-century miracle. In 2024, at 88 years young, the renowned conductor performs for six days over two weekends. In the first performance with Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the esteemed maestro takes on the works of German composer Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). During the upcoming second weekend, with tickets still available for purchase, Zubin Mehta conducts Arnold Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder, a three-part oratorio followed by a moving epilogue featuring five vocal soloists, a narrator, three choruses, and a grand orchestra.
Did you know that the first LA Phil Performance of Gurrelieder was on March 21, 1968, with Zubin Mehta also conducting? Is it not awe-inspiring? Over half a century after his performance of Schoenberg’s masterpiece when he was in his early thirties, Zubin Mehta returns to Los Angeles to conduct again in his late eighties. Honestly, who accomplishes such feats? The fact that so much time has passed, yet the conductor is still willing to take the stage and lead the orchestra, is nothing less than a miracle.
Taking on Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Zubin Mehta collaborated with accomplished Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos and the LA Phil. This concerto is intriguing because the entire orchestra’s performance reflects the German zeitgeist of the era. Brahms’ confidence as part of an ascendant society is conveyed like an invigorating march toward destined success.
Throughout the piece, however, as society marches forward, the solo violin represents the artist’s and the intellectual’s individual voice. With harmonic courage, the solo violin rhythmically plays off the entire orchestra, finding a counterpart to the forward march. Instead, the solo violin cries out for complexity and patience, diving deeper into the melodies.
Indeed, taking on this role, Kavakos was nothing less than brilliant, finding meaning in Mehta’s conducting as he led the orchestra in a supporting role. Hence, the LA Phil gave space for the violinist to express a voice of individuality and emotion. As The New York Times described, “The music flowed out of him like a river—big, glistening, and unobstructed, but also tasteful in its frictionless subtleties.”
Although Zubin Mehta now conducts while sitting, given his advanced age and frail condition, his ability to bring forth the best of an orchestra has remained strong. Generous and passionate, he is a treasure to behold in person. If you have the opportunity, do not miss his conducting of Arnold Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder this weekend.
The LA Phil’s honoring of the great composer is part of Schoenberg at 150, and it is not to be missed. Also, how many more times will we have the pleasure and honor of watching Zubin Mehta conduct on stage at the Walt Disney Concert Hall? Such moments are to be treasured and valued.
