Lloyd Schwartz on Mark Morris

Boston Phoenix classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz has weighed in (online today, in print tomorrow) on the Mark Morris Dance Group, "Dido and Aeneas" and Mark Morris, the conductor. Here is a taste of the ever thoughtful Mr. Schwartz:

"Morris didn’t take an opening bow, perhaps wanting to
keep the spotlight focused on the dancers and singers. But he led with Smith’s
remarkable combination of gravity and buoyancy. He got the orchestra to embody,
even caress, each phrase. He found and maintained the rhythmic life not only in
Purcell’s teasing, earthy jollity but also in his profound solemnity, providing
sympathetic support for dancers and musicians alike. The final moments, the
tragic funereal procession of Dido’s sister and subjects, were exquisite in
their slow dissolve. Of course the center of the piece is Morris’s extraordinary
choreography, but this was the rare Dido you could love even with your eyes
closed."

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