Music Reviews

Jan 24, 2005 - The Reno Philharmonic and many players star in a program of lush popular favorites

By Jack Neal

"Neither sleet, nor show, nor hail..." three-dot journalism that used to apply exclusively to the United States Postal Service, now applies to the current series of two Reno Philharmonic being heard at Reno's still snowy Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.

A slip on the ice stopped pianist James Winn from appearing as scheduled for his date with a Liszt concerto. His not-too-seriously broken arm will mend faster than the broken hearts of his many Northern Nevada fans who will miss his very special musicality and virtuosity.

Nothing else, however, stands in the way for another rich smorgasbord of music nicely served up and beautifully delivered by Reno Philharmonic maestro Barry Jekowsky Sunday afternoon (1/23/05).

This fourth concert in the orchestra's 2004-2005 subscription season is a dazzling orchestral showcase and loads of fun for audiences who like their symphony listening on the lush and voluptuous side. With Richard Strauss's Don Juan, Alberto Ginastera's Variaciones Concertantes, Ernest Chausson's Poeme for Violin and Orchestra featuring the orchestra's associate concertmaster Ruth Lenz, and Nicolai Rimsky Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnole, the program wasn't just colorful and exuberant, it was Techincolor, Technicolor, Technicolor - and flamboyant.

Chausson's Poeme is the perfect choice for a young violinist making her debut as soloist with her hometown symphony orchestra. Loaded with lots of nostalgia and emotional pain, the Chausson is very romantic stuff, indeed, and Ms. Lenz made the most of it. She has a lovely sound and an assured technique and the heart-on-the-sleeve sensitivity of a vibrant young woman, making her performance a triumph of soul over the Chausson's thin substance. Her's is an auspicious debut presentation.

Strauss's dramatic Don Juan is wonderfully descriptive music that taxes the most virtuoso of orchestras. That it comes off brilliantly is a testament to the abilities of players in the Reno Philharmonic. With the exception of Johnny Depp and Marlon Brando, who brought their take on the Don Juan story so magically to life on the screen several seasons back, Jekowsky and company come as close to having it all in their rendition as one could hope for. Strauss's "one-act play without words," as it was referred to when it was first introduced, is in top ship-shape form.

As is Ginastera's entrancing Variaciones Concertantes. Written in twelve sections of variations on a theme, the piece - or more aptly this collection pieces - is really a series of mini concertos for an array of solo players. The overall main theme is slow and meditative. With some of the variations swirling around over that theme in a turbulence of vivacity, the Ginestera makes for cliffhanging playing and thrilling listening. All solo players rise to the Ginastera's challenges with an abundance of allure.

As if all that weren't enough, who can resist the excesses of Rimsky-Korsakov's sumptuously orchestrated Capriccio Espagnole? With virtually everyone in the orchestra getting their place in the sun, this whirlwind Spanish caprice blends ethnic pastiche with orchestral braggadocio with no hint of embarrassment. Concertmaster Phillip Ruder is his usual brilliant self. Oboist Andrea Lenz, flutist Mary Miller, harpist Beverly Colgan, clarinetist David Ehrke, violist Igor Veligan, etc., etc., etc., (the list is long) all acquit themselves in solo moments handsomely.

Making it work so well is the man at the helm. The entire program is a conducting tour de force for any maestro and Jekowsky pulls it all off with great flash, dash, and sensitivity.

The concert will be repeated Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. All Reno Philharmonic subscripton concerts are played at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada.

The Reno Philharmonic's next series of concerts will feature Leonard Bernstein's Suite from "On the Waterfront" and Mahler's Symphony No. 4. With soprano Devon Guthrie and conductor Barry Jekowsky. For information about Reno Philharmonic concerts and events call 775-323-6393.