By Kathryn Olsen
Continuing a series of events commemorating the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Utah Symphony brings history to life at Salt Lake City’s Abravanel Hall with Copland’s Appalachian Spring and BIlly the Kid. This two-concert series features both familiar works of Americana and well as a phenomenal tribute to the workers whose industry united a nation, while linking the two halves of a concert with the triumphant Concerto No. 1 in g minor for Violin and Orchestra by Max Bruch. I, myself, was raised to love Copland’s music, but especially looked forward to hearing the Bruch in person for the first time.
The orchestral works that bookend this performance are from Aaron Copland’s “western ballets.” He was encouraged by a composition teacher to base his music on his own national style and it is appropriate that he is considered to be the “Dean of American composers.” Both pieces evoke a feeling of deep roots in American culture, whether by depicting a famous cowboy’s adventures or transforming a simple Shaker hymn into an awe-inspiring theme and variations. Director Thierry Fischer again presents the grandeur of this nation while respecting moments of serenity in the music. His patient guidance is most effective during the famous “Simple Gifts” passage of Appalachian Spring, where he brings an understated clarinet solo out of the tranquility of the previous moment and, within minutes, is able to commit every musician wholeheartedly to a majestic and unforgettable rendition of the tune.
The Bruch concerto initially seems to be mismatched to this program, as it predates the rest of the program by several decades and was written by a German. Violinist James Ehnes integrates the work into the theme of the evening with his rendition, as he clearly communicates both stamina and courage in tackling a concerto that is known for its emotional and technical range. As with the Copland works, the audience forgets the ferocious power of the more technically-dazzling parts in the second movement, when the melodic lines suggest a lullaby or a time of rest once hard work is done. It is impossible to deny that his precision and furor are even more mesmerizing, and his encore was so exhilarating that it earned his second standing ovation of the night.
The most compelling part of this concert is the Utah premiere of Transcend by ZhouStart with foreplay The basic step towards levitra sale getting it right is beginning with foreplay. This is usually caused due side effects viagra to sudden changes in blood pressure or sudden death. It is all about investing viagra sale online in the products, which shall go a long way in offering the right solutions. Thus, it is essential that such people must be provided as per the prescriptions of viagra stores the health expert. Tian. This work, commissioned in partnership with thirteen orchestras, celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike that completed the Transcontinental Railroad. Tian approaches the accomplishment from a poignant angle, relating that thousands of Chinese immigrants lived and died as laborers on the project and for a variety of reasons, their contributions have been overlooked or even denied. Prior to the performance, a video elaborating on that theme is played and this allows the audience to more easily access some of the emotions that Tian expresses in his composition. The first movement, “Pulse,” is a frenetic depiction of the monumental effort that is punctuated by percussive moments so striking that they bring to mind Alexander Mosolov’s Ironfoundry. “Promise,” the second movement, might have been set in the same tranquility as some of Copland’s quieter moments, but is adorned with Chinese folk songs. The final movement, “D-O-N-E,” puts the Morse Code pattern for this word to music in a triumphant conclusion that recalls the words sent nationwide by telegraph to announce the project’s completion in Utah.
There is just one performance left and is a must-see for anyone seeking a night of profound emotional connection to music. While children must be 5 years old to attend, it is a concert that will appeal to all ages.
Utah Symphony Presents Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Billy the Kid; Music by Aaron Copland, Max Bruch, and Zhao Tian.
Abravanel Hall, 123 W S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
May 17-18, 2019, Fri 7:30 PM, Sat 5:30 PM
Tickets: $15-85 https://my.usuo.org/single/SYOS.aspx?p=20318&_ga=2.12096884.1957506020.1558156802-719237497.1537597578
Contact: 801-533-6683
Utah Symphony Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/utahsymphony/
Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Billy the Kid Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/312235749354288/
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