Concert Review
Philharmonic proves Mozart's versatility
By JULIA OSBORNE REVIEW-JOURNAL
Normally, a ringing cell phone during a concert would bring glares and more.
But at the Las Vegas Philharmonic's Saturday tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the tone (which came between selections and was quickly silenced), happened to mimic a portion of one of the orchestra's upcoming numbers. So musical director and conductor Harold Weller simply turned, smiled and nodded.
It was, in fact, just one more tribute to the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart, whose more than 600 works were mostly light and bright, lending themselves well to a variety of instruments -- including cell phones.
The evening's highlight was "Concerto for Flute and Harp in C major, K. 299," featuring Kim DeLibero on harp and Richard Soule on flute. DeLibero coaxed each subtle note from her harp, while Soule provided his own effective work during the straightforward, smooth piece.
Both had individual moments to shine, then worked well with the orchestra, which was trimmed essentially to strings for this piece. There was no competition between soloists and the other musicians; Weller kept all in hand for a successful point/counterpoint and effortless blends.
The orchestra brought special luster to the oh-so-familiar "Serenade for Strings in G major (Eine Kleine Nachtmusick), K. 525."
The evening's program also included the powerful "Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, K. 543" and "Der Schauspieldirektor (The Impressario) Overture, K. 486," which was upbeat and offered with just the right note of grandeur.
Comprehensive and easy-to-understand program notes by associate conductor and educational coordinator Richard McGee added much to the evening's enjoyment.
REVIEW
What: Las Vegas Philharmonic
When: Feb. 25
Where: Artemus Ham Hall, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Grade: A
From the Review Journal
By JULIA OSBORNE REVIEW-JOURNAL
Normally, a ringing cell phone during a concert would bring glares and more.
But at the Las Vegas Philharmonic's Saturday tribute to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the tone (which came between selections and was quickly silenced), happened to mimic a portion of one of the orchestra's upcoming numbers. So musical director and conductor Harold Weller simply turned, smiled and nodded.
It was, in fact, just one more tribute to the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mozart, whose more than 600 works were mostly light and bright, lending themselves well to a variety of instruments -- including cell phones.
The evening's highlight was "Concerto for Flute and Harp in C major, K. 299," featuring Kim DeLibero on harp and Richard Soule on flute. DeLibero coaxed each subtle note from her harp, while Soule provided his own effective work during the straightforward, smooth piece.
Both had individual moments to shine, then worked well with the orchestra, which was trimmed essentially to strings for this piece. There was no competition between soloists and the other musicians; Weller kept all in hand for a successful point/counterpoint and effortless blends.
The orchestra brought special luster to the oh-so-familiar "Serenade for Strings in G major (Eine Kleine Nachtmusick), K. 525."
The evening's program also included the powerful "Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, K. 543" and "Der Schauspieldirektor (The Impressario) Overture, K. 486," which was upbeat and offered with just the right note of grandeur.
Comprehensive and easy-to-understand program notes by associate conductor and educational coordinator Richard McGee added much to the evening's enjoyment.
REVIEW
What: Las Vegas Philharmonic
When: Feb. 25
Where: Artemus Ham Hall, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Grade: A
From the Review Journal
posted by Baton Blog at 11:35 AM
1 Comments:
Did this reviewer leave at half time?? Maestro Weller trusted the 34 members of his string section to play "Eine Kleine Nacht Musik" without him, as a chamber ensemble would. They performed beautifully!! Then, under his direction, the 39th Symphony of Mozart came to life as few performances in this listener's experience.
Nor did our astute critic give mention to the fact that the concert was a complete sellout -- with standing room only. Perhaps, rather than singling out the only instrument she is able to readily identify (the cell phone), Ms. Osborne should get a clue and stay for the whole concert the Review Journal pays her to cover....but then again, knowing her track record, that's more than can reasonably be expected.
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