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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
American Masters, in a word, masterful
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra paid tribute to a trio of America's greatest composers with its latest Masterworks concert, American Masters.
Friday night's program featured rising star violinist Augustin Hadelich performing Samuel Barber's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 14, regarded as one of the great works in the violin repertoire and last performed here in 1999. The concert was confidently led by WSO resident conductor Richard Lee who replaced scheduled guest maestro Larry Rachleff on relatively short notice.
Concert review
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
American Masters
- Centennial Concert Hall
- Friday, February 17
- Attendance: 676
(Four stars out of five)
Born in Italy of German parents, Hadelich, 27, nearly stopped the show more than once with his dazzling artistry. The Juilliard graduate quickly established his presence during the opening Allegro, tearing through rapid-fire runs while extracting a liquid tone from his exquisite 1723 Stradivari violin. This was followed by the more rhapsodic Andante that showcased his long arching phrasing and crystalline upper register, with his instrument seeming to become an extension of his body. Special mention must be made of principal oboist Bede Hanley for his seamless opening solo that sets the tone for the section.
And then it was time for the nail-biting Presto in moto perpetuo that surely must send shivers down every violinist's spine. Hadelich never faltered once, unleashing its torrents of triplets with rhythmic precision in an (almost) non-stop, enthralling performance.
As expected, the crowd leapt to their feet, resulting in an encore of Paganini's fiendishly difficult Caprice #24 that the soloist tossed off as easily as child's play.
The program also included Leonard Bernstein's Three Dance Episodes from On the Town. Lee set a brisk tempo for opening movement The Great Lover with the brass punching out accents. The moody Lonely Town: Pas de Deux with its bluesy harmonies reminiscent of George Gershwin's -- another great American composer -- Rhapsody in Blue followed, before ending with the jazzy licks of Times Square - 1944.
Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring: Suite, rounded out the evening.
The WSO repeats the concert tonight at 8 p.m., before heading out to Brandon's Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium for a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m.
holly.harris@shaw.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 18, 2012 A15
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