An Evening with the Julliard Orchestra

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Parent Category: Film and the Arts

Category: Reviews

Published on Monday, 28 February 2022 15:00

Written by Jack Angstreich

Soloist Gabrielle Després

On the evening of Saturday, February 19th, at Alice Tully Hall, I had the great pleasure to hear the superb Juilliard Orchestra—here playing at their near best—in a marvelous concert under the excellent direction of Kevin John Edusei.

The program opened arrestingly with an enthralling performance of contemporary composer Samy Moussa’s Crimson, a brilliantly orchestrated work of shimmering tonalities. The dazzling soloist, Gabrielle Després—here looking gorgeous in a beautiful, grey-blue satin gown—then took the stage for a splendid rendition of Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s delightful, too seldom programmed Violin Concerto. The lush, frequently lovely first movement drew applause and the ensuing Andante began lyrically with a wistful theme and maintained an introspective mode across its length. The fabulous Finale was rhythmic, dancelike and melodious. The violinist received an enthusiastic ovation.

The second half of the event was at least equally impressive, with a wonderful account of Stravinsky’s extraordinary 1945 Suite from The Firebird. After an ominous Introduction, the moods shifts in rapid fashion, while the piece contains some of the composer’s most exquisite music, including the highly dramatic Infernal Dance, the glorious Lullaby (Berceuse)—maybe the most haunting music he ever wrote—and the rousing, astonishing Final Hymn. The performers were vigorously applauded.

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