Music Reviews

Jan 31, 2010 - Itzhak Perlman and pianist Rohan De Silva weave collective soul with a Reno concert sponsored by the Reno is Artown Festival

By Jack Neal

Finding new things to say about superstar players and bringing something new to commentary is difficult.

On Thursday evening, January 21, 2010, the much heralded appearance of Itzhak Perlman and pianist Rohan De Silva took place at Reno’s Pioneer Center before a sold-out crowd that loved everything it heard. And for good reason, everything heard was terrific.

The only complaint wasn’t for the artists, but for some members of the audience who cant take a well-placed hint. Following Mozart’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major, exquisitely played Mozart who’s only angst was the penchant for some people to interrupt mood with applause between movements. Which prompted Mr. Perlman to say, following a quick backstage break between the Mozart and Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 7 in C minor, that he’d had a cell phone call from Beethoven noting that it’s okay to applaud between movements during the Mozart, but that he’d prefer no such interruption for his own sonata. Laughter and applause for charm and graciousness.

Perlman was very charming in his admonition, and when applause happened again with a giggle from at least one female member of the audience (like isn’t that cute) the frigid reaction from members of the audience (not the artists) put a stop to that nonsense. Applause between movements, depending on why, isn’t the worst problem for concertgoers, but not taking a witty and timely hint is boorish.

Needless to say, the Beethoven was all it should have been. Dash, power, probing insight and impeccable virtuosity made a Beethoven to please even the most cantankerous gods. The program concluded with Stravinsky’s rather brief Suite Italienne for Violin and Piano. Voluptuous comes to mind and that works. It certainly was a lush, full-bodied performance.

Perhaps it’s enough to separate the men from the boys to comment on the encore written by John Williams, the Theme from “Schindler’s List,” played so poignantly by Perlman for the film and once again at the concert. Once past virtuosity, good taste, and a laundry list of things making for great musicianship, it’s the simple statement of a lovely tune that captivates. Much like Judy Garland singing Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile,” or Edith Piaff singing those songs of hers that reach to the soul, Perlman and De Silva’s simple, straight forward and gorgeous singing (yes, thy did sing through elegant violining and pianism) connected with the heart and soul and that’s what great artists do, and do, and do.

Bravo for a glorious concert.