Naumburg (No. 4 of 5) (7/21/15)

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

Symphony No. 1 in D Major (1759) – I. Presto, II. Andante, III. Presto –
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)
Sigfried Idyll (1870) – Richard Wagner (1813–1883)
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 (1813) – I. Poco sostenuto-Vivace,
II. Allegretto, III. Presto-Assai meno presto (trio), IV. Allegro con brio –
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

Orpheus, performing without a conductor (their modus operandi), performed a well balanced and varied program on Tuesday evening. The Haydn began with a nice, delicate touch, slightly offset by an ominous breeze, in a bright and pleasant first movement. It had quite a happy feel to it. The second movement, even with its slower tempo and its bouncing rhythms, continued the pleasant atmosphere. The recurring touches of delicacy were a defining quality, leading to an absolutely lovely finish to the movement. The third movement was also rhythmically interesting and forward moving, with its sunny themes and rhythms (in contrast to the sky—see ominous, above).

Wagner’s Idyll had a gentle opening with rich harmonies, with the woodwind instruments featured more prominently from time to time. There was a nice build of orchestral texture, as well as a graceful ebb and flow. Typical of Wagner, motifs kept repeating and building, featuring effective horn writing, plus woodwinds, as well. Looking at the treetops, blue sky, and grayish-white clouds, I felt as though I were actually in a plein air painting. Idyllic, indeed.

After intermission, the Beethoven began with a fuller sound and orchestration, still with the winds featured from time to time. There was a rather lengthy introduction, the Sostenuto, followed by a really full orchestral sound, the Vivace. The second movement had a brooding and poignant quality to begin with, slowly building in intensity. In form, it was almost a cross between a canon and a theme and variations. The third movement opened with dance-like themes, still with nice back and forth dynamics. After a contrasting section, there was a return to the opening theme. The fourth movement was very energetic with interesting writing for the brass instruments. A dramatic theme was introduced and helped to build the intensity. That intensity seemed to flag a little, but I attribute that to the size of the chamber orchestra. While allowing contrasts to be shown clearly, the sheer number of the forces couldn’t quite supply the oomph that I felt was slightly lacking. But that’s a minor quibble. Throughout, the playing was top notch and very enjoyable.

And for all of the ominous weather that began the evening, there were only the briefest of sprinkles in an evening that turned out to be the perfect way to spend time in Central Park—sitting amid hundreds of listeners enjoying a wonderful performance. Thanks, again to the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts organization and to WQXR for hosting and broadcasting the concert. I’m very much looking forward to the next, and final, concert.

ConcertMeister