The Orchestra Now (12/19/2021)

Roman Carnival Overture – Hector Berlioz (1803–1869)
Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes – Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)
Symphonic Poem of 3 Notes – Tan Dun (b. 1957)
Symphony No. 5 – Jean Sibelius (1865–1957)

First off, TON, thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing live music back to live audiences (with protections in place).

At nine minutes (thank you for such interesting and helpful notes), the Berlioz was a great curtain raiser (even though there was no curtain). It was bright, and incorporated themes from his opera Benvenuto Cellini. A nice mix of tempos, phrases, and orchestration.

The Britten was adapted from his opera Peter Grimes. The opera premiered on 6/7/1945; the Interludes premiered just six days later. I found some of the writing in the first Interlude rather spare, which is OK, since they were written as pieces to bridge the opera from one scene to the next, while trying to set the scene, as well. The third, Morning, was appropriately brooding, while the fourth, Storm, was appropriately stormy.

The Tan Dun, while it had an interesting back story, didn’t quite work for me. The three notes were “la-si-do”—the top three notes of a major scale—and the piece was written for the 70th birthday of Placido Domingo. Get it? La-si-do? Pla-ci-do? It was cute the first time. Not so much after iteration after reiteration. Again and again. Get it? Yes, the piece worked as a legit composition, but for me, it couldn’t shake its baggage.

Sibelius’ symphony, in three movements, had some interesting background (and baggage) as well. He tinkered with it (specifically regarding pacing) even after it had premiered. Using the full palette of orchestral colors, it was a very effective (if not affecting) work. I liked it well enough—but just.

A note on the orchestra—they are what is known as a training orchestra. They commit to a three-year training program associated with Bard College. They practice and train with world-class professionals, and the training shows up in these performances.

Did I mention that this concert was free? And that all audience members were screened for full vaccination? There are some good things in NYC. Was I concerned? Yes. Did I take maximum precautions? Yes.

ConcertMeister