Great Performances – Gloria: A Life (6/26/20)

When I first saw this Great Performances listing, I almost blew it off. Gloria Estefan? Nah. Gloria Vanderbilt? Maybe. But really, what's in a name?
Oh! Gloria Steinem.

I'm glad I watched. I learned a lot. Christine Lahti starred in an all-female cast. Most of the production staff were female, as well. The presentation was expertly done. The theater production (and thus, this recording) was from 2019, so it was very relevant and up to date if a little heavy handed, politically—not that there's anything wrong with that.

I enjoyed the performances. Act II, the 'talking circle' after the theatrical performance, was also a little heavy handed. But that's to be expected. When the subject is inequality, the solution is obvious. No more inequality. Sometimes heavy handedness is the only way to make that point.

Kudos to PBS and Great Performances. (Off my soap box now.)

ConcertMeister (TV style)

Midday Masterpieces (6/3/20)

Kerson Leong, violin
Tu Mach, piano

Kudos to WQXR for providing a virtual Midday Masterpieces. (I know, I’m woefully late in reporting.)

Ysaÿe: Allemande from Violin Sonata No. 4
Bach: Andante from Violin Sonata No. 2
Kreisler: Liebesleid (with Tu Mach, piano)
Ysaÿe: Allegretto poco Scherzoso from Violin Sonata No. 1
Kreisler: Recitativo and Scherzo
Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra (arr. Ricci)
Raff: Cavatina (with Tu Mach, piano)

With all of that, Mr. Leong played very well and his mother (Tu Mach) was a very generous supportive artist. With the exception of the two works accompanied by piano, these were solo violin pieces. The concert, though, was a little heavy on ‘down’-ish music. This is pretty much to be expected in these pandemic times. I’m not sure, though, what the correct balance should be between somber and uplifting.

In terms of a pre-recorded concert … um, it was pre-recorded. I would much prefer a live recording with at least some sort of audience, even if it couldn’t include me. And I know this sounds oxymoronic, but if there are costume changes (his shirt), then how much can we be convinced that it was ‘live’?

Also, it was presented in partnership with The Violin Channel. As a result, it sounded to me as though his living room recording studio was slightly enhanced in terms of sound editing (specifically a little reverb).

So I’m grateful that WQXR kept us in the virtual loop but less than impressed with the virtual result.

ConcertMeister

Great Performances (6/12/20)

An American in Paris

To my mind, this PBS presentation was a ballet with a few songs, a few lyrics, and even fewer bits of dialogue.

Please don’t get me wrong. The choreography and dancing were stunning. The music was S’Wonderful. The dancing was S’Marvelous. The storytelling left a little to be desired for my taste.

If you love, love, love ballet, this is your cup of tea. If you love, love, like Broadway musicals, this might float your boat.

I would have liked to have seen a more fleshed-out story. As always, this is my opinion only. In these troubled times of ours, I’m happy to see any and all productions, since our choices are limited. I just wish I’d liked this one better. But I just may be grumpy and longing for live performances. I also just may be a ’Meister downer.

ConcertMeister