Music Reviews

Nov 15, 2004 - The Reno Philharmonic's big picture concert with the superb Alisa Weilerstein

By Jack Neal

The hypnotic, young (she's 22), American cellist Alisa Weilerstein returned to Reno's Pioneer Center Sunday afternoon (11/14/04) to perform another of her entrancing engagements with the Reno Philharmonic.

Weilerstein's assured and transfixing interpretation of Elgar's lyric and robust Cello Concerto was but one of Sunday's big-picture portraits tapping in a big way into the grandeur of the symphonic repertory. Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," orchestrated by Ravel, and American composer Christopher Theofanidis's powerful "Rainbow Body" complete this epic package of programming so shrewdly put together by conductor Barry Jekowsky.

That the concerto runs thin on profound musical ideas, it is nonetheless a wonderful showcase for cellists and orchestras who don't mind emoting. Under Jekowsky's baton the Reno Philharmonic remains in the kind of peak form it's been in since his arrival and emoting is something the orchestra does well. Good as the orchestra and its conductor are in collaboration with Weilerstein on the Elgar, the orchestra shines even more luminously elsewhere.

Weilerstein's state of rapture as she plays helps dig beneath the surface, creating a musical seance of sorts that captivates; and how she does get to the core of what the Elgar has going for it and then some. She clearly finds what there is to find. The concerto has drama, sophistication and a mystic lyricism that is a perfect fit for Weilerstein's extensive gifts.

More than a virtuoso dash through the hard parts (and what fun those parts are) Weilerstein digs deep for a rhythmically infectious and melodically rich adventure for a presentation that touches the soul with its truth and directness. Obviously I like her work. To me she heads the pack of a new breed of international cellists. Her sublime musicality mixed with star power spells longterm success. The standing ovation which greeted her playing here is an indication my views are shared with many. Christopher Theofanidis's "Rainbow Body," a stunningly successful concert opener, bodes well for contemporary American Music. Based on a chant by 12th century composer Hildergard von Bingen, Theofanidis has conjured the title from Tibetan Buddhism. When an enlightened person dies, the Buddhist philosophy allows, that person is absorbed as light and energy back into the universe, hence the title "Rainbow Body." There's often an astringent quality to the work's tonality. But that only makes it more enticing. I first heard "Rainbow Body" before I read Theofanidis's conceptualization. To my ear "Rainbow Body" has the essence and power of Richard Strauss's "Death and Transfiguration," plus its own freshly minted orchestral colors. There are also several fine excursions for solo cello and the orchestra's principal cellist, Peter Lenz, played them gorgeously. "Rainbow Body" is a tour de force for conductor and orchestra and a fresh new addition to the standard symphonic repertory.

Likewise, Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is also a fabulous tour de force for conductor and orchestra. Written for the piano and orchestrated by Ravel, "Pictures" is as dazzling as it's popular.

Set in eleven movements depicting ten Victor Hartmann paintings and drawings, "Pictures" is a programmatic triumph and Jekowsky knows exactly how to make each section luminous and exciting. Paul Lenz shines in the big trumpet promenade theme that recurs spasmodically. Saxophonist Peter Epstein plays with a pure, plaintive sound that is wistful and right for "The Old Castle."

Ultimately, of course, it's the "Pictures at an Exibition" finale, "The Great Gate of Kiev," that sends audiences into delirium. This is one of the biggest things in the orchestral repertory and Jekowsky gets everything out of it one can get without - much to everyone's credit - overkill. And that's what's called showpiece orchestral superskill. If you've got it, flaunt it.

The concert will be repeated Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. (11/16/04).

All Reno Philharmonic subscription concerts are played at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Virginia Street, Reno. The orchestra's "Spirit of the Season" Holiday concert starring singer Toni Tennille will be Sunday, December 5, 2004, at the Reno Hilton Theater, 2500 East 2nd Street, Reno. For information call 775-323-6393.