(Jackson Citizen Patriot, Monday October 14, 2002 - page B-6)
By Ken Wyatt
Staff Writer
My challenge for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra's 53rd season-opener Saturday night: How do you review two hours of splendid music making in a few inches?
Answer: Compress. Herewith, a nutshell review:
Symphony I in C, Georges Bizet (1855): Great choice for a concert that began with the JSO's designation as a "Site of Promise" by the Jackson County Alliance for Youth. After all, Bizet penned this work at age 17.
Performance quality: The bottom half of the violin section enabled the top violins to speak with one voice. As for the oboe soloist in the hauntingly beautiful adagio, a voice whispered in my ear, "I'll bet she played eight to 10 measures without a breath." We were in oboe heaven.
.In the Golden Light ... Soaring," Bruce Brown (2002): The JSO's composer-in-residence developed this piece for the orchestra's principal cellist, David Peshlakai. Peshlakai wandered masterfully through a work that begins with magical delight, pro-. gresses haltingly in musings over life, then affirms "freedom of the air" over "safety on the ground."
Quality: This was one mello cello, supported capably by the orchestra and pianist Audrejean Heydenburg.
Symphony 4, Carl Nielsen (1916): A truly great Dane, Neilsen called this work "The Inextinguishable." , Quality: The music is at times dissonant, noisy. The musicians seemed less than inspired. However, inspiration arrived in time to deliver Nielsen's final theme.
© 2002 Jackson Citizen Patriot.
All rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission
