Cannon booms, like the ones that rattled the Tennessee Theatre during the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's season-opening concert performance of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" on Thursday night, probably haven't been heard downtown since the Civil War.
But milestone anniversaries like the KSO's 75th season don't happen very often either.
Following the playing of the "The Star-Spangled Banner," maestro Lucas Richman began his well-chosen, all-Tchaikovsky program with a dynamic performance of the "Festival Coronation March," written in 1883 in celebration of the coronation of Czar Alexander III.
Violinist Dylana Jenson then took the stage for a performance of Tchaikovsky's "Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra," Op. 35.
Jenson is one of those rare virtuosos who almost disappear into the music. Her playing is so matter-of-fact it's easy to assume that the usual fireworks one associates with this concerto are missing.
But that would be a misperception.
Instead of visual theatrics, Jenson's playing exploits the music's built-in explosions.
At the same time, her violin sang beautifully, especially during the short "Canzonetta: Andante," second movement.
The passages between Jenson's violin and Gary Sperl's clarinet, then Nadine Hur's flute and in the third movement, Phulis Secrist's oboe and Ellen Connors' bassoon were especially lovely.
Then, before the big "1812," Richman and the KSO delivered a beautifully paced "Capriccio italien," Op. 45, during which the sounds of silence were indispensable components of the performance.
Finally, the evening's celebration came to a conclusion with the "Festival Overture: The Year 1812," Op. 49, written in 1880 to commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon's forces in 1812.
If this concert is a harbinger for what is in store this anniversary season from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, it will be a year to celebrate indeed.
Harold Duckett is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.
© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!
- |
Comments » 0
Be the first to post a comment!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.