CBSO Yamada Review: Poulenc and Adams Pairing Is Stylish, Witty, 2026

The CBSO Yamada review highlights a stylish, witty, and thrilling pairing of Poulenc and Adams, proving that American minimalism can punch, thrill, and even make you laugh. Kazuki Yamada led the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in a program that juxtaposed John Adams' epic Harmonium with Francis Poulenc's slyly humorous works, creating an evening of unexpected contrasts and sheer musical delight.

Yamada's Impeccable Poulenc

Yamada's interpretation of Poulenc's Sinfonietta was lucid and urbane, a crisp musical suit with a whimsical pocket-square of silky woodwind solos and harp. The music's many punchlines were played absolutely straight, allowing the wit to shine through clean architectural lines. The performance was a masterclass in balancing irony and sincerity, a hallmark of Poulenc's unique voice.

The Jussen Brothers' Dazzling Concerto

The Dutch duo, the Jussen brothers, made their Proms debut with Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos, a naughty musical satire targeting modernism and Mozart alike. Their matching suits and irrepressible rhythmic energy made for enormously stylish fun, with two heads nodding vigorously and fingers flying as one. It was a performance that balanced technical brilliance with playful charm.

Harmonium: A Rippling Textural Canvas

The centerpiece, Adams' Harmonium, benefited from the combined forces of the CBSO Chorus and the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. The performance lacked the choral welly of previous outings, but the rippling textural canvas was fully realized. Voices became pulsing points of light in 'Negative Love' and an explosive, ululating jangle in 'Wild Nights,' showcasing Adams' ability to transform poetry into sonic landscapes.

Comparison: Poulenc vs. Adams

Key Takeaways from the Concert

• Pairing Adams and Poulenc creates a dialogue between American minimalism and French wit.
• Yamada's conducting brought clarity and style to both composers' works.
• The Jussen brothers delivered a virtuosic and playful performance.
• Combined choirs elevated Harmonium to new heights.
• The program showcased the emotional range of modern classical music.

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