07 December 2010
Music review: VSO, eighth blackbird put on a show
by Jim Lowe
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BURLINGTON – Saturday's Vermont Symphony Orchestra concert, at the Flynn Center, was a brilliant showcase for the orchestra. Principal Guest Conductor Anthony Princiotti led the orchestra in an exceptionally dramatic performance of the "war horse" Sibelius' Symphony No. 2, but it was a recent work by Pulitzer-winning composer Jennifer Higdon that provided an unexpected diversion. Higdon's dazzling "On the Wire" was as entertaining to watch as it was to hear, perhaps more. A showcase for the hip instrumental sextet eighth blackbird, it certainly qualified as "cool."
"On the Wire" was commissioned by a group of organizations, including the VSO and the Flynn, and was premiered, with reportedly spectacular audience success, by the Atlanta Symphony in June. Its continuing tour includes dates with the Toronto Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra, among others.
Opening with all six members of eighth blackbird bowing, plucking, stroking the insides of the piano, some eerily beautiful sounds emerged. It then erupted into a jazzy confusion of beautiful colors from the six on their instruments as well as the orchestra. The drive was infectious and the palette of colors seemed limitless, a real kaleidoscope.
The members of eighth blackbird – Tim Munro, flutes; Michael J. MacCaferri, clarinets; Matt Albert, violin and viola; Nicholas Phontinos, cello; and Lisa Kaplan, piano – all proved fine instrumentalists and played this complex 24-minute piece from memory. They were joined in enthusiasm and, for that matter, precision by Princiotti and the members of the VSO.
The harmonic language was very tonal, never acerbic or challenging, and the rhythm was straightforward, usually driving. Higdon's craftsmanship was brilliant in how she created the colors and excitement. But, save for a touching lyrical cello elegy in the middle, there wasn't much to touch the heart. Although there didn't seem to be a lot of emotional content, it certainly was entertaining.
The heart was fully engaged, though, with Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 in D Major. Princiotti delivered the sprawling, but passionate and dramatic work, with accuracy, intensity and passion. Also music director of the Dartmouth Symphony and the New Hampshire Philharmonic, Princiotti has had a tendency toward "episodic" conducting – focusing on one part at a time – thus limiting the arch of the performance. But here, he led a cohesive performance that delivered the entire scope of the work.
Throughout, the members of the VSO played cleanly, accurately and expressively. Princiotti built beautifully to the dramatic moments and "let loose" when called for. Throughout, he eschewed Romantic excess. Too bad – it could have afforded some.
The same comments apply to Weber's Overture to "Euryanthe," which opened the program. Although it could have been more so, Princiotti and the VSO delivered a fine performance, a satisfying symphonic experience.
