Article: The perfect birthday GIft; Brahms and Mozart Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras Royal Festival Hall, London Pierre Boulez 80th Birthday Concert Chicago Symphony Orchestra Royal Festival Hall, London Brahms: The Four Symphonies Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim Warner Classics (four CDs).

Byline: DAVID MELLOR

You could tell from the outset it was going to be a special evening. The first person I bumped into heads a big recording company. Over his shoulder was the music director of Covent Garden. Yes, Pierre Boulez was in town celebrating his 80th birthday with America's finest, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in a tough but ultimately deeply rewarding concert of music by Bartok, and all musical London wanted to be there.

If it's possible to become a new man at 80, Boulez is one. He bounced on to the platform as if 20 years younger and said how wonderful it was that the Festival Hall is getting a facelift. This from a man who once ...

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