Music Reviews

Apr 27, 2008 - Conductor Barry Jekowsky and the Reno Philharmonic say farewell making beautiful music together

By Jack Neal

On Sunday (4/27/08), the Reno Philharmonic played the first of its last two concerts under the leadership of conductor Barry Jekowsky. Saying goodbye is never easy. Saying goodbye to someone who has been as successful at moving the orchestra to a higher realm of performance and public acceptance, as Jekowsky has, is even harder.

The drama of his beautifully performed last program of Aaron Copland’s plaintive and lovely “Appalachian Spring,” and Carl Orff’s gargantuan (nearly 300 musicians) “Carmina Burana,” is the stuff of memorable theater. So is the video tribute to the maestro including testimonials from Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, violinist Marilyn Sevilla, and Reno Philharmonic Board member Jim Kidder.

Parting on such a high note really is such sweet sorrow. Much to his credit, the departing maestro made sure of that.

As artistically triumphant as this last season has been, it’s been equally fascinating politically. The programs have been popular, wonderfully played and leaves audiences – Jekowsky’s fans – wanting more and wishing the Jekowsky decade could stretch into decades. Smart programming, and the conductor’s ingratiating presence makes Jekowsky a winner in a year when two of America’s leading politicians find it impossible to declare victory.

How appropriate and American to play Copland’s plaintive and majestic “Appalachian Spring” as a curtain-raiser for this last series of concerts. Composed on commission from the U.S. Government in 1944, “Appalachian Spring” became a classic for Martha Graham and her dance company. “Without dancing,” Graham wrote in her autobiography, “I wished to die.” So committed was Graham to this most American of ballets the openness and freedom she revealed through dance embraced Copland’s music with humility, honesty and passion.

Jekowsky brings that same fresh, innocent spirit to Copland’s lovely score. Originally scored for thirteen players, the large orchestral version, as interpreted by Jekowsky, never comes off as overblown. As in “’tis the gift to be simple” his is a straightforward expression. The orchestra is in fine form – lush strings, burnished brasses, subtle woodwinds, subdued percussion – providing a plaintive, understated performance of one of America’s most expansive works.

The energy of Carl Orff’s bawdy “Carmina Burana” was matched only by Sunday’s sold-out crowd’s thunderous standing ovation. This earthy rite of spring was given a sensational presentation by the full forces of the Reno Philharmonic, the Reno Philharmonic Chorus (ably prepared by Jennifer Tibben-Lembke), the Sierra Nevada Children’s Choir (ably prepared by Kathleen Jacobi-Karna), and three superb soloists - soprano Kiera Duffy, tenor Tyler Nelson and baritone Keith Phares.

Phares, with his impressive baritone and swaggering personality in the “Abbot’s Song,” was a riveting presence throughout. Nelson delighted with his darkly humorous “Roasted Swan.” With her gorgeous soprano voice, Duffy scored with sublime phrasing and crystalline highs. The choral work, both children and adults, was articulate, impeccably accurate and richly colored.

The opening and closing chorus, “O Fortuna,” is one of the most famous passages of music in the repertory. As dramatic as it is, it’s but a parenthetical framework for a series of musical gems. Orff described his “Carmina Burana” as “total theater.” Its simple melodies and pulsating rhythms are punctuated with outbursts of raw power. Its novel orchestration and challenging technical demands gives “Carmina Burana” its enormous energy and appeal.

It’s the kind of grand-plan music Jekowsky was born to lead. And lead it he does for a virtuoso performance of power and sensitivity that mines Orff’s exotic work for every measure of its majesty, beauty – and quirkiness.

It’s with pleasure for an orchestra left in fabulous condition, and regret for not having the continuing presence of Barry Jekowsky to continue his exceptional leadership, that those who love the Reno Philharmonic say goodbye to this maestro. His decade has been a triumphant one for the Reno Philharmonic.

The concert will be repeated Tuesday, April 29 (2008) at 7:30 p.m.

All Reno Philharmonic subscription concerts are performed at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada. For information call 775-323-6393.