The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE), conducted by Maxim Emelyanychev, delivered a transcendent performance of Brahms's last concert program at the Royal Festival Hall, earning a five-star review. The concert, which took place on June 24, 2026, recreated the program Brahms himself conducted in 1897, just months before his death.
Period Instruments Bring Authenticity
The OAE, known for its historically informed performances, used period instruments to capture the sound world of Brahms's era. Emelyanychev, the orchestra's principal conductor, led with a blend of scholarly precision and emotional intensity. The program included Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83, with soloist Alexander Melnikov, and the Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98.
Melnikov's performance on a period piano was described as "revelatory," bringing out the work's lyrical and dramatic contrasts. The audience responded with a standing ovation, and critics noted that the interpretation felt both historically grounded and urgently contemporary.
Emotional Depth and Historical Resonance
The concert's second half featured Brahms's Fourth Symphony, a work that closes with a passacaglia that has been interpreted as a farewell. Emelyanychev and the OAE emphasized the symphony's tragic arc, with the final movement building to a devastating climax. According to the Guardian's reviewer, the performance was "a masterclass in shaping Brahms's long lines and dark harmonies."
The concert was part of the OAE's ongoing series exploring the final works of great composers. Emelyanychev, who has led the orchestra since 2021, has been praised for revitalizing its approach to Romantic repertoire. The audience included many musicians and scholars, reflecting the event's significance.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Response
The review highlighted the orchestra's "transparent textures and vigorous attack," which made the music feel fresh. The use of gut strings and valveless brass added a raw, visceral quality. The performance was deemed "essential listening for anyone interested in Brahms or historically informed performance."
The concert was recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 3. The OAE's next project is a series of performances of Beethoven's symphonies under Emelyanychev, scheduled for the 2026-27 season.
