Headlines From Reviews as a Conductor
Antonín L. Dvorák:extremely lively interpretation, characterized by generosity, and swing. (Missa); The college students, the professional Orchestra Biel-Bienne, and the soloists offered a touching performance. (Stabat Mater)
Bohuslav Martinu: Unforgettable reference to Martinu: (Gilgamesh)
Jean Daetwyler: The excellent prepared performance and the contented composer on the stage was moving us. The "Haslikantate" was given as first performance by B.G., recorded for a disc and broadcast by Radio DRS.
Hugo Wolf: velvety soft orchestral sound (Goethe, The Harpist)
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Rich spectrum of dynamic sounds of the choir. (Five Mystical Songs). Safe, inspiring and inspiring direction of the conductor BG.
Maurice Duruflé: (Requiem). Mystical performed sounds. Wonderfully, the choir, soloists and orchestra lined up under the simple, concise signage of the conductor BG.
Thematic Sound Programs: The Berner Symphonie Orchester and the University Choir are exceptions: they create structured, carefully designed concert programs.
John Rutter: The jazzy-dressed *Sacred Works * created enthusiasm.
Carl Orff: Carmina Burana: rousing brilliance. Intoxicating success. The ravishing effect of the performance meant, that parts had to be repeated.
Wolfgang A. Mozart: Requiem: An experience of great impressiveness.
Gioachino Rossini and Messe Solenelle: Brilliant concert. First time performed with orchestra in Switzerland. (Normally performed with harmonium.)
Georg Fr. Haendel: unique experience. (Saul). Natural, transparent lines, clear elaboration of the lyrical as well as dramatic elements based on a well-dosed tempo choice.
Giacomo Puccini: a captivating surprise. (Missa di Gloria)
George Gershwin: Great success. The arrangement of BG for 2 grandpianos, jazz trio, 6 soloists and spokeswoman was a well exiting work. All around excellent class.
Without the generous help of Arthur Loosli, probably the most expressive baritone of Switzerland at this time, and the understanding and support of the rectors of the Gymnasium Thun, Hermann BuchsPeter Jaggi and colleagues.
Headlines From Reviews as a Composer
The biggest event of the evening was the first performance of the microtonal work *Coeli et Terra* by Bernardo Grossenbacher. Expressively instrumented composition.
The Berner Totentanz is scarce, without ornaments and concessions, sometimes hard contoured (Adam), sometimes soft and elegiac (death).
Apotheosis of the rhythm. *JADA * received spontaneous applause from the excited audience.
Microtonal Works: : higly differentiated sounds, measured walking from a meditative mood to a racy expression.
The CD "Pianoforte" shows a wonderful view of the piano styles and is very exciting:
the percussive played piano, meditations with the sounds of the pedal in different positions, use the piano harp, Ragtime, Salsa, fast Blues, dramatic Tango and finally a Ragtime again. Everything is played in a "dress of today".
All CONDUCTED AND COMPOSED Works Got Performed with Professional Orchestras and Soloists, like:
Symphonic Orchestra Zurich, Sinfonietta Basel, Orchester Gesellschaft Biel-Bienne and ensembles such as Collège de Cuivres de Suisse Romande, Orchester de Chambre, Lausanne, percussionists of the Symphonieorchester Bern. Soloists like Brigitte Fournier, Philippe Huttenlocher, Arthur Loosli, Cynthia Grose, Chi Chiao Tu, Maria Oran, Liliane Zürcher, Leonora Hauser (voc), Eva M. Grossen= bacher (Vl), Philippe Laubscher (org.), Stephane Borel (perc.), Hans Feigen= winter (p), Gloria Isabel Ramos Triano (dir), Bänz Oester (b).