Music Reviews

Sep 25, 2005 - The Reno Chamber Orchestra opens its new season in top form

By Jack Neal

It may not have had as much glitter as opera opening night at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House, but it had just as much dazzle.

The Reno Chamber Orchestra opened its 32nd season Saturday night (9/24/05) at Reno's Nightingale Concert Hall. This is the third season for conductor Theodore Kuchar and his third season is beginning where his second season left off: Lots of excitement, sublime phrasing, exotic coloration, an orchestra marching steadily toward enviable virtuosity with everything played marinated in gripping, unpredictable interpretations.

Challenge is the name of Mr. Kuchar's game. It's a thrill (and considerable fun) to listen to no-holds-barred programs that keeps players on the edges of their seats and audiences wanting and coming back for more.

Opening with Rossini's Overture to "La Centerentola" and closing with Beethoven's Symphony No. 1 in C major is a neat way to keep the conservative types happy. For the daring, Kuchar sandwiched in between the Rossini and the Beethoven, Stravinsky's Suites No. 1 and No. 2 and Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major. The pungent Stravinsky was exciting and unnerving - like emoryboard pulled through one's clenched teeth. Having much in common with the jazziness of Gershwin, the Ravel - enhanced by the piano virtuosity and rhythmic intuitiveness of Klara Wurst - lacked only the choreography of Gene Kelly to conjure up memories of Vincent Minnelli's "An American in Paris."

Mr. Kuchar provided rapid-fire, luminous interpretations, then impishly dared the orchestra to keep up. It was a breathless ride down some very steep slopes with oodles of fresh air to keep all on their toes. It was a stretch with a solid batting average of success and a thrill for those sedate listeners who weren't concerned about putting their reputations on the line (only members of the orchestra were required to do that).

The Rossini flew past in record-breaking time. It sported a rich sound, a sparkling ambiance, and a keen sense of mission. Likewise the Beethoven soared to heroric heights for the kind of triumph of freedom over oppression that is at the soul of Beethoven's writing. Dynamic, liquid, loaded with breathtaking musical moments Mr. Kuchar and orchestra gave the Beethoven a run for its money that will be hard to surpass.

The collaboration between Ms. Wurtz, Mr. Kuchar and the orchestra on the Ravel was energized to say the least. Ms. Wurst is a dynamic pianist with a penchant for rhythmic intensity and textural coloration that made her end of the bargain nothing short of sensational. The orchestra followed suit for a performance of grace in tandem with jazz that plays well to 20th Century ears. Ms. Wurtz's muscular performance gave the concerto just the right touch of weight. Nothing was too pastel. It was a performance that sounded born and raised in America's Tin Pan Alley.

Short, astringent and full of the unexpected, the Stravinsky, actually the two Stravinskys, just galloped, waltzed and marched their way through ear-opening dissonance. Igor Stravinsky is to music what Salvador Dali is to painting.

The next pair of Reno Chamber Orchestra concerts will feature the music of Tower, Williams, Copland, Peck and Gerswhin. With guest conductor Joan Tower, and guest conductor and clarinetist Carl Tipolow. At Nightingale Concert Hall, 900 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, October 22 and 23, 2005. For information call 775-348-9413.