Features: The Unfinished Symphony


Whether it is because of Riccardo Muti’s youth or his limited contact with the orchestra or his personal musical style, the sound of Philadelphia is going to change, gradually. In one sense, it has to; no one could really expect otherwise. Where that change will lead is still uncertain. "I don’t think the orchestra has become worse under Muti," says James Oestreich, classical music critic for High Fidelity. But he adds, "Likewise, it has not become better."

In Europe last month, Muti was cheered long after the orchestra had taken its bows. Perhaps that was the real purpose of the tour — to show off Muti in his best light. Closer to home, Muti does not engender such enthusiasm. As for his orchestra, the domestic critics remain wary. Says Los Angeles Times critic Daniel Cariaga: "Reports of the demise of this orchestra have been rampant for years. With this new conductor, it’s becoming a possibility."