Formed in 1999, the
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is the brainchild of conductor
Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said. It is a youth orchestra of musicians from Israel and many Arab nations, bringing together two often-conflicting cultures for a single, peaceful purpose. Since its inception, the orchestra has quickly gained respect and admiration far beyond what might be expected from a youth ensemble. This live 2007 recording represents the orchestra's first appearance on the Decca label.
Just as
Barenboim brings together two divergent cultures, he also successfully joins two highly contrasting musical styles on this program. On one hand, there is Schoenberg's Op. 31 Variations for orchestra, one of the composers first large-scale works based entirely on his twelve-tone system. It is a cerebrally conceived composition that nonetheless packs an emotional punch. On the flip side is Tchaikovsky's poignant, heart-on-the-sleeve Sixth Symphony with its passionate, despondent outer movements and joyous inner movements. In both cases,
Barenboim's orchestra handles the scores with impeccable professionalism and musical integrity. Schoenberg's variations represent a technical challenge to even seasoned players, yet the West-Eastern Divan members execute it with surprising precision and polish. The Pathétique Symphony is treated to a wonderful depth of emotional understanding without ever seeming overwrought. Balance within the orchestra is managed nicely, and the excitement of live performance can be felt throughout.