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A Debut at Avery Fisher - Concert Review

Author: Kevin
Date: 2005-02-25 23:15

Last night, Lorin Maazel conducted the NY Philharmonic to the U.S. premiere of Australian Ross Edward's Concerto for Oboe, with soloist Diana Doherty making her Philharmonic debut. The experience was unlike anything I've ever had in a formal classical music concert.

Maazel and the orchestra started the show to Paul Dukas' timeless classic, the Scorcer's Apprentice. The audience, actually quite large for a Thursday night. I was treated to some absolutely fantastic clarinet playing by Principal Associate Mark Nuccio.

But it was the concerto that was literally the 'eye opener'. The audience sensed something very different about the piece from the get go - after Principal Associate Concertmaster Sheryl Staples tuned the orchestra to the 440 A from English Horn player Thomas Stacy, the Maestro walked on stage, as expected. But everybody realized something was missing - the soloist; I heard murmers of "where's Diana?" from seats around me as Maazel took his place on the podium. Everyone also noticed the presence of different looking music stands being used by the musicians that had little lamps on them; and of course, who in the audience couldn't help notice in the percusion section that HUMONGOUS elaborate-looking gong-like drum, which according to our program cards, was called a 'darabuka' with Middle Eastern origins.

Anyway, as we continued to ponder the whereabouts of Doherty, we were to be even more startled as the lights of the hall started to fade until Avery Fisher was completely pitch black, and nobody could see anything whatsoever. Hey, this doesn't usually happen at a Philharmonic concert!?! Then, while it was still completely dark, after the audience has quieted down from curious wispering, the soft sounds of an oboe were heard. The lamps mounted on top of the orchestra members' music stands then lit up slightly, only enough so that the musicians were able to see the conductor and we ourselves were able to see Doherty run about the stage.

The piece went on, and throughout its entire length Diana not only played the oboe, but put on seemingly choreographed dance moves as well. Of course, her moves were very limited since she had to hold an oboe in her hands! The hall remained as dark as possible with the musicians needing to be able to see the conductor. All of the light, which changed colors BTW according to the music, came from on-stage (such as the music stand lamps) and I believe no light at all came from the ceiling, etc...

The music itself, may have been overshadowed (no pun intended) by the "show", but it was wonderful in its own right, full of bird imitations from the oboe and English horn remniscent of Olivier Messiaen. Ross Edwards was in attendance himself and received spirited applause at the conclusion of the concerto. Diana Doherty's oboe playing was full of heart, and her captivating stage presence earned her about 4 curtain calls and applause that lasted about 5 minutes.

After intermission, we were treated to an exciting and all-out rendition of Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherazade.

The program IMO definately showed the New York Philharmonic to be once again at the upper ranks of the world's great orchestras. While the ensemble has seemed to fall out of favor with some in recent years, last night's concert proved why they should be again regarded as a major force in classical music. No other orchestra I know combines the excitement of such a diverse body of musicians with a constant interest in promoting modern works, as well as timeless classics, and such a high level of playing. Their (everyone involved with organization) attitude is such a professional one ought to be admired.

The Philharmonic replays the program tonight and tommorow night at 8 PM EST. It may be very worthwile for those in the NYC area to check it out, since this concert was unlike any other formal classical concert I've ever been to.

A recording of the concert will also be broadcast over WQXR on Tuesday March 8. But of course, so much of the concerto is visual.

Hope you guys enjoyed this review. I certainly enjoyed the concert.

Kevin

Post Edited (2005-02-25 23:26)

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