1. Summergarden at MoMA: The New Juilliard Ensemble played recent works in the sculpture garden at MoMA. I particularly liked the piece by Paul Dessenne. What he does with rhythm is incredible. I also liked his combo of instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello and Piano. Since the concerts are outdoors, the sounds of music mix with sounds of a New York City street producing a unique blend. New music for free...what could be better?
2. New York Philharmonic in Central Park. The concert was actually shared with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to promote the world expo. Of particular interest was the composition they played written for the world expo. It was a very interesting combination of Eastern and Western influences. At times it sounded like a Disney song and other times a traditional Chinese one. The NY Phil finished out the concert with Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Bolero. There was something special about hearing Bernstein's music outdoors in New York with thousands of other New Yorkers. The final section of Bolero came through as bombastic on the speakers. What a powerful ending.
3. New York Philharmonic in Central Park Take Two. The first half of the program was somewhat forgettable as I did not find the saxophone concertos particularly appealing. As darkness descended on the park and the orchestra began Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet for the 2nd half, the mood totally shifted. It suddenly seemed that less people were talking and everyone was entranced by the music. It certainly is an enticing piece. Interesting decision by the conductor to not end on the soft chords of the written ending but to repeat the opening of the Montagues and Capulets.
4. Mostly Mozart Opening Night Gala. Discovery: onstage seating for Mostly Mozart is the cheapest section and perhaps the most interesting to sit in. Yes, the sound quality is at times distorted, particularly with the singing soloist. However, being able to watch the conductor is so fascinating. Louis Langree conducted without a score for the opening overture and the finale of the Haffner Symphony. He looked totally in control of the orchestra giving precise and moving gestures. The music had a certain vitality that I see in many Mozart compositions.
5. I also saw South Pacific and West Side Story this summer. Both revivals of classic musicals, it can be tough to measure up to the original. South Pacific certainly lived up to all expectations. The songs in this show are all classics and were performed and staged beautifully. The set was quite memorable and what a difference that orchestra makes! If only more broadway shows could have an orchestra of that size and caliber. The production captured both the intensity of the conflicts and the light heartedness of certain moments.
West Side Story did not quite meet the same standards. The dancing was definitely the strong point here. Hearing the music with the broadway pit is somewhat underwhelming knowing the full orchestral score. The orchestra still performed admirably though and the vocals were generally quite strong. A Boy Like That and Tonight were particularly memorable. The high Bb at the end...wow! The flow of the production was lacking at times with somewhat awkward pauses. Overall, a good revival of a great show.
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