THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 9, 1996 TAG: 9609080276
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: CONCERT REVIEW
SOURCE: BY PAUL SAYEGH, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: 47 lines
OPENING NIGHT of the Virginia Symphony's 1996-1997 season on Saturday at Norfolk's Chrysler Hall found music director JoAnn Falletta and the orchestra in excellent form, highlighted by a superb performance of Rachmaninov's difficult ``Symphonic Dances.''
The Rachmaninov is a late work which should be heard more often than it is. The orchestration demonstrates how much the composer had absorbed from the 20th century, laying to rest the theory that he was an incurable Romantic. The piece mixes Russian lyricism with complex rhythms and a much harder, more glittery orchestral sound than usual for this composer.
Overcoming some initial rhythmic insecurity, the orchestra went on to give a thrilling account of the outer movements. The finale benefited from incisive playing by the low strings and brass. But the high point was the second-movement waltz, the best conducting this writer has yet heard from Falletta. Adopting a dangerously slow tempo, she coaxed and shaped the phrases in a spontaneous manner that brought the composer's fantastic vision to life. The orchestra followed Falletta every step of the way, while keeping its sound light and transparent.
Italian pianist Fabio Bidini was soloist in the Tchaikovsky ``Piano Concerto No. 1.'' He gave a supercharged, excitable rendition of the solo part that left the audience cheering at the end. There were numerous shifts of tempo and sudden changes of dynamics as Bidini attempted to emphasize every expressive moment of this highly expressive piece.
Falletta seemed to have her hands full keeping her soloist on a leash; in fact, at times it appeared that she would rather be leading a very different type of interpretation. The pattern was set early in the first movement - soloist racing ahead, orchestra and conductor pulling back.
Bidini's tone seemed to lack solidity, possibly due to the speed with which he chose to play. The actual sound lacked substance during soft passages, becoming harsh in louder moments. Less rushing would also have allowed more accurate execution of some passages which became a blur.
The opening work, Smetana's ``Bartered Bride Overture'' was lively and graceful; the strings handled their demanding parts well, and Falletta judged the dynamics of the piece excellently. ILLUSTRATION: MUSIC REVIEW
The Virginia Symphony with JoAnn Falletta conducting
Saturday night at Norfolk's Chrysler Hall. by CNB