|
Sunday, November 2, 2008
7:30 PM
 Alasdair Neale |
|
SYMPHONY
Marin Symphony
Alasdair Neale
PIANIST, ORION WEISS WOWS MARIN AUDIENCE
The Marin Symphony’s second concert of the 2008-09 concert season welcomed the return of the American virtuoso pianist, Orion Weiss. From his dazzling performance of Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto during the 2007 season, to last night’s performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto, No. 4, in G Major, Opus 58, Mr. Weiss has once again demonstrated his maturity as an artist of the first tier. If music is meant to communicate, Mr. Weiss’s sensitive playing, combined with his impeccable technique communicated to the very back rows of the large Marin Civic Center auditorium. The audience was captivated with his performance. He was rewarded with a well-earned standing ovation.
Of the five piano concertos Beethoven composed, the 4th concerto is the composer’s first to completely break away from the eighteenth century’s classical style. Beethoven’s artistic aim now is expression of deep introspective thoughts. Mr. Weiss certainly delivered the composer’s intent. The second movement in particular (Andante Con Moto) is one of the most moving discourses in concerto literature that demonstrates Beethoven’s poetic expression. The dialogue between the solo instrument and the sensitive accompaniment, led by conductor, Alasdair Neale, was no less than glorious.
It is interesting to note the piano used for Mr. Weiss’s memorable performance. Although the symphony owns a Steinway concert grand, Mr. Weiss did not choose to use it at last night’s concert at Civic Center. Instead, he chose to perform on an 1899 rebuilt Henry F. Miller concert grand. Glenn Woodruff and his son, Galen Woodruff, of J. B. Piano in San Rafael rebuilt this Boston-made instrument, owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Walters of Sonoma County. Both father and son should be credited for their professional expertise in rebuilding this wonderful instrument and bringing it back to its glory days. It is also a testimony to Mr. Weiss’s artistic confidence and authority as an artist for recognizing its beautiful tone. Kudos must go to both Mr. Weiss and to Glenn and Galen Woodruff of J.B. Piano.
While guest artist, Orion Weiss, was the main event for the evening, the orchestra’s
Exquisite performances of excerpts from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream,
and Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C Major, K, 425, “Linz” was also memorable. The
Romantic Mendelssohn work, juxtaposed with the Classical Mozart Symphony was engaging. The orchestra played both works superbly. Special mention and more kudos go to the fine musicianship of Alex Camphouse, Principal French Horn, and Monica Daniel-Barker, Principal Flutist for their solo performances in the Mendelssohn work.
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, Marin Center
Avenue of the Flags
San Rafael, California 94903
415.479.8100
www.marinsymphony.org
|
