Classical Review: From Mozart to Brahms

In her double capacity as conductor-pianist, Anita Kamien presented Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos together with husband Roger in the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra’s charity concert last week, sponsored by the “A Package from Home” organization for the benefit of lone and wounded soldiers.Conjugal harmony found its way to musical mutual attentiveness, resulting in an appealingly well-balanced and faithful-to-style rendition of Mozart’s work.As curtain raiser, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture effectively set the stage for the delights to follow.In a conservative Classic- Romantic program tailored cautiously to the supposed taste of the donor audience, the highlight was Brahms’ Symphony No. 4.The conductor’s exuberant temperament, combined with her identification with Brahms’ style and her authoritative command of the orchestra resulted in an impressive performance of the demanding work.