Two from Last Weekend (12/15 & 12/16)

Bargemusic—this was interesting. Music of Fritz Kreisler, a composer and virtuosic violinist. Our violinist was Mark Peskanov with pianist Doris Stevenson (I hope I get the names right—with Bargemusic, the program is announced from the stage).

We heard nine selections (number six was a trilogy). First up was Praeludium and Allegro, painted in broad strokes with a few embellishments. Next we had a Kreisler arrangement of Rondo (from Hoffman Serenade by W.A. Mozart) which was sunny and brisk; next an original, Syncopation with a jazz-era feel to it (or maybe a gentle ragtime feel?). This was followed by March Miniature, with a light, almost Slavic quality.

Next was a tune (arranged by Kreisler) from a Rimsky-Korsakov opera—this guy Kreisler was esoteric and eclectic! The trilogy included Love’s Joy, with a very familiar tune, Love’s Sorrow, mostly minor with a shift to major for the ending, and Schön Rosemarie, written in Odessa (Mr. Peskanov’s home town), which had a Viennese waltz-hesitation feel to it.

What followed felt like an encore (actually, in the Q&A session after the concert,
Mr. Peskanov agreed that we usually only hear Kreisler pieces as encores). There were a Falla dance, a Viennese Waltz, and Chinese Tambourine. I bet you’d recognize some of them.

Harwood Management Artists—Deck the Halls

This was very similar to last year’s version, with classical/religious pieces in the first half, followed by lighter, secular performances in the second half. Once again, these are performers who are probably new to the New York scene—I think I recognized one or two from last year.

This year’s crop seemed a little less polished. In the classical portion, there were several selections from Handel’s Messiah. Most of the performers added their own ornamentations, with varied success. There was some four-part harmony that was also varied in its success—that may be a result from lack of rehearsal time.

In the secular section, there was a nice blend of humor and staging (though light on vocals). There were the usual “crooner-style” performances from some of the folks we heard in the first half. There was a pair of renditions that showed real flair for just plain ol’ having fun. More of that might have been better.

Okay, there’s honesty and then there’s honesty. One fellow came out to sing Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! (Are we all singing along yet?) He then announced that he might need help with the lyrics. Polite laughter ensued. He said that he wasn’t kidding—and proceeded to blow the lyrics!

It was still a fun afternoon—just one that I wish had been a little bit better.

ConcertMeister