Brendel in Boston

Alfred Brendel played in Symphony Hall last night. The centerpiece of the program was Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes (including the Posthumous Etudes) with all the repeats. Brendel did nothing to add variety to the repeated sections - no changes in dynamics, voicing, or phrasing - just a rote repeat. It became rather monotonous. I love the Symphonic Etudes, but Brendel proved there can truly be too much of a good thing. He really writhes on the platform - like someone put itching powder down the back of his shirt.