The New York Youth Symphony Present Gabriela Lena Frank & the Sounds of Peru

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Parent Category: Film and the Arts

Category: Reviews

Published on Wednesday, 14 December 2022 14:29

Written by Jack Angstreich

Michael Repper conducts the New York Youth Symphony

At Carnegie Hall on the afternoon of Sunday, November 20th, I had the pleasure of attending a fine concert featuring the terrific musicians of the New York Youth Symphony under the effective direction of Michael Repper.

The event opened auspiciously with a confident account of contemporary composer Gabriela Lena Frank’s Escaramuza from 2010–which is especially notable for its excellent orchestration—in this venue’s premiere performance. I here cite her note on the work:

Escaramuza, which signifies "skirmish" in the Spanish language, is inspired by the kachampa music of Andean Perú. Celebrating the pre-Hispanic Inca warrior, the kachampa dance is executed by athletic men who convey a triumphant, even joyful, spirit. Inspired by the kachampa dances done with fast-snapping ropes that I've witnessed in Perú, especially in Paucartambo during the Virgen de la Carmen festival, I've created a brightly chiseled romp in an asymmetrical 7/8 rhythm that is launched after an extended bass drum solo. Through most of Escaramuza, no section of the ensemble is allowed to rest for long, maintaining the high energy typical of kachampas.

The impressively promising soloist, Francisco Fullana, then entered the stage for an admirable version of Édouard Lalo’s popular Symphonie Espagnole. The initial movement, marked Allegro non troppo, is lyrical despite a bold beginning, while the ensuing Scherzando is charming and dance-like. The more dramatic Intermezzo  is a habañero and the Andante that follows is moody and introspective. The Rondo finale is ebullient and virtuosic.

The second half of the concert was even better, beginning with a rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem and then a marvelous performance of the world premiere of contemporary composer Ari Sussman’s compelling aleatoric work, I hope this finds you well, which was commissioned by this ensemble. The evening concluded magnificently with what was the highlight of the evening: a thrilling realization of George Bizet’s exquisite L’Arlésienne Suites 1 & 2. The opening Prelude is substantially a thoroughly captivating march. The waltz-like Minuet is succeeded by an elevated Adagietto. The Carillon which ends the first Suite is exultant with a pretty wind chorale in its middle section. The second Suite’s Pastorale is evocative with moments of grandeur. A majestic Intermezzo, a gorgeous Minuet, and a bewitching, irrepressible Farandole that recapitulates the initial march, complete the set. Enthusiastic applause prompted the conductor to repeat the final part of the last movement as a welcome encore.

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