Spectacular Sound @ Severance Hall 3/31/11
A familiar refrain during intermission and at the end of Thursday evening’s concert by The Cleveland Orchestra that featured pianist Horacio Gutiérrez in the Piano Concerto No. 2 of Sergei Rachmaninoff, was “how did he do that?” or “have you ever heard the piano sound like that before?” It was an amazing performance, to be sure, more than usually so, and the piano itself featured strongly in the majority of comments addressed to this reviewer. I had no answers, being as dumbstruck as everyone else in attendance.
Pianos do sound differently with different players at the keyboard. I know this, but it still baffles me. Mr. Gutiérrez continually drew an extremely clear and penetrating sound from the instrument, while not appearing to expend any more energy than usual. The sound was of the utmost clarity and transparency regardless of the density (or lack of it) in the surrounding orchestration. Every note was crisply articulated, and I do believe that 95% of those in the house were on their feet before the notes had completely drifted off into the ether.
There was an extra degree of tension between soloist and orchestra, as well. They were not quite together—at least in the opening movement. Not that they were battling each other, as they certainly were not, but it surely made for an electric and unforgettable performance. Several orchestra members provided gorgeous solos: Rich King, horn; Marisela Sager, flute; and clarinetist Daniel McKelway.
Without baton, guest conductor Jiří Bělohlávek, led an extremely buoyant rendition of the Symphony No. 96 (Miracle) of Franz Josef Haydn. Oboeist Frank Rosenwein distinguished himself in a glowing solo, before the rather frisky finale in which all the winds were especially chipper. The piece earned its nickname from a performance in London in 1791, or maybe not until 1795, history being occasionally an inexact science. (A chandelier fell, but missed the patrons who had all rushed to the stage just prior to that happening.)
Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 is generally a favorite of everyone, including the musicians. Once you hear it, you can easily understand why this should be so. It’s entirely melodious, happy, and rhythmic intertwined with Dvořák’s Czech sensibilities. Mr. Bělohlávek knows this piece well enough to conduct from memory, and easily progressed from beginning to end in radiant fashion. From the sturdy strings to the triumphant brass, the work demonstrated again why it is such a favorite. Again, several individual musicians contributed to the overall excellence: Michael Mayhew, horn; Josh Smith, flute; Massimo La Rosa, trombone; Michael Sachs, trumpet; Scott Haigh, double bass and Thomas Freer, tympani.
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Prior to the concert, there was a pre-concert concert. Chamber music was presented by several members of the orchestra in Reinberger Chamber Hall as a means of enlightening the audience to the needs of Japan (which had hosted the orchestra only last November) and encouraging contributions to any of several organizations that are assisting the stricken country.
Upstairs, in the main concert hall, guest conductor Jiří Bělohlávek began the concert with another musical tribute to the people of Japan—the Allegretto from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, followed by a moment of silence.
The insert from the Cleveland Orchestra program book, and the website, also offer this information: The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan remind us of how quickly life can take a sudden turn. Last November, the Japanese people welcomed The Cleveland Orchestra with unparalleled hospitality and enthusiasm for concerts in Sapporo, Osaka, and Tokyo. Now, through musical performances onstage and surrounding the concerts at Severance Hall on March 31 and April 2, the musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra are working to bring public awareness to the continuing needs and hardship of so many in Japan.
You can help. Donations may be sent directly to the organizations:
• The American Red Cross is supporting the Japanese Red Cross, whose employees and volunteers are directly providing emergency relief, medical services, and emotional counseling to those affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. To help, visit http://www.RedCross.org and donate to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. Or, you can make a $10 donation by texting redcross to 90999.
• JANO, the Japanese Association of Northeast Ohio, has created a 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. Funds will be distributed by JANO http://www.JANOsakura.org in consultation with the Detroit Consulate, Japanese School of Cleveland, and others. Checks payable to JANO can be mailed to: JANO, P.O. Box 360977, Strongsville, OH 44136.
The orchestra returns to Severance Hall on Thu 4/21. For tickets or further information, visit the website: http://ClevelandOrchestra.com or call the ticket office at 216.231.1111.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz, who writes: My most recently published book is Ardenwycke Unveiled (e-book and trade paper). Cerridwen has another contemporary romance from me, But Not For Love, currently available only as an e-book, but perhaps will be in print later this year. I hope to soon get around to completing some of the 30+ incomplete books in my computer!
Actually, I’ve just re-issued my very first published book (from Berkley in NY 1993) Secret Shores which is available now in regular print, plus large print and as a Kindle.
By the way, Cerridwen has also accepted two of my short stories in their Scintillating Samples (complimentary reads) area: Song of the Swan and Unexpected Comfort. I love photography as well, as you can see here. Occasionally I teach writing workshops and sometimes do editing or ghostwriting on a free-lance basis. But over and above everything else, there’s always been the writing. I can’t imagine my life without it.
And now, after more than a few requests, I’ve started a blog about writing. You can find it here.
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