Conducting Reviews
Wayne Marshall has made numerous recordings for several labels, including EMI, Virgin, Philips, Delos, Chandos, and Collegium, and over the years led such orchestras as the Rotterdam Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony, the BBC Philharmonic and the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi at La Scala. Below is a selection of reviews from the conducting career of Wayne Marshall.
“The Gewandhausorchestra grooved easily and flirted with latin american eroticism in a virtuoso manner. Clearly it was not only the audience in the auditorium but also each single musician in the orchestra who rejoiced in this concert.”
Ausgabe der Leipziger Volkszeitung, July 2011
“It is no wonder a decidedly European sound-cloak wrapped around the State Orchestra under the direction of British conductor Wayne Marshall’s “Candide.” The precisely balanced orchestral sound balance was a game of musically exuberant activity."
Berliner Zeitung, June 2011
“On the podium with… Candide, Wayne Marshall pulled the swing from the Bernstein score, as well as devotion and pathos. A pure and exuberant sound was heard from the Staatskapelle Berlin surfing the styles of music with ease. Thanks to the enthusiasm of all involved it was very balanced performance. Superb Staatsoper! Be sure to take a look!”
The Epoch Times 26th June 2011, Berlin
“In a year of crisis, Marshall stripped the work of schmaltz, romanticism and refused to dwell on pathos. Which frankly, was refreshing.
One can’t build a career out of being unpredictable, but as Beethoven 9th fetishists who’ve heard it all, we liked Marshall’s feverish vision. The maestro, principal guest conductor of Orchestra Verdi, found a strong, enduring pulse that kept the work alive, and an overall chirpy, upbeat staccato that floated the strings, pushing the work to its final movement culmination, “O Freunde, nicht diese Töne!”.
Opera Chic, 2010, Milan Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
“The unbelievable one-man-band that is Wayne Marshall, a fabulous pianist, here took the role of conductor, communicating astonishing drive to the young musicians of the New World Symphony Orchestra.”
Le Figaro, June 2008
Opéra Comique, Paris: Porgy and Bess
“Marshall’s conducting is irreproachable and he is a master of the score.”
Libération, June 2008
“More than a flirt with Jazz… Wayne Marshall played with breathtaking technique, was virtual improvising and included an improvised cadenza in the second movement. […] Gershwin’s ‘Love is here to stay’ – inspired the ‘Jazzier’ even more: virtuous, sensible, unique and adventurous"
Peter Korfmacher, Leipziger Volkszeitung, November 2008
From the beginning of the evening, when conductor Wayne Marshall refused to halt the music so that “Summertime” might be applauded, it was obvious that he was intent on treating “Porgy and Bess” seriously, rather than as a collection of hits. His brisk, sweeping approach paid off splendidly — I’ve never heard the opera sound so unified and organic — and the increasingly fine WNO Orchestra played fiercely for him.
Washington Post October 31st 2005