Austrian composer Josef Anton Bruckner is said to have created a symphonic style of monumental proportions equivalent to that of a colossal stone structure in architecture. Yet Symphony No. 1 in C minor composed during his early years has a charming light touch reminiscent of an airy place drenched in sunlight. The agility of the NHK Symphony Orchestra as it gradually builds the pace of the performance in perfect response to conductor Paavo Järvi's lithe direction brings out the charm of the composition. Performed in the early summer of 2018 at Shibuya to resounding audience acclaim, this concert is sure to bring a ray of light to all of us hoping for a speedy conclusion to the pandemic. Relish the performance that is the convergence of 3 superb elements: an airy charming music composition, directed by a conductor with a light and modern interpretation, and performed by a symphony orchestra that is more than up to the task.

Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F major expresses the elation of a city dweller enjoying a day in the country in nature. Titled the "Pastorale, or Recollections of Country Life," the melody is a very familiar one. But this new interpretation of the "Pastorale" as conducted by Roger Norrington is full of surprises. The tempo is rapid and there is no use of vibrato by the stringed instruments. At first, the listeners are overwhelmed by the rapid change of musical scenes even before they are comfortably settled into the music, but as they gradually relax into the composition, they experience the feeling of release at the openness of the space depicted by the score. Although known for its sumptuous sound, here the NHK orchestra demonstrates a fresh new appeal through their rhythmically well-modulated performance in response to Norrington's baton. Bask in the feeling of being in the great outdoors while listening to "Pastorale" at a time when the pandemic has restricted outings of all kinds.

Symphony No. 1 in C minor written by Johannes Brahms and widely regarded as one of the greatest symphonies of the nineteenth century is conducted here by fellow German Christoph Eschenbach. He is known for adding unique insights gleaned from his deep-dive into the score and giving exacting instructions to every instrumentalist to infuse the performance with deeper meaning. Eschenbach's association with the NHK Symphony Orchestra goes back to November 1979; together they have performed all the Brahms symphonies and that seasoned partnership is evident in this performance. Take pleasure in this gem polished to brilliance by the exhilarating artistic interplay between conductor and orchestra.