THE HANGOVER REPORT – Under Maestro Nézet-Séguin, THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA shines in a crowd-pleasing program

The Marcus Roberts Trio and the Philadelphia Orchestra perform George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” at Carnegie Hall (photo by Chris Lee).

Last night, the Philadelphia Orchestra returned to Carnegie Hall — arguably the storied ensemble’s home away from home — with an accessible, well-curated program comprised of works by composers with strong ties to America. Led by music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin (who these days toggles between the Metropolitan Opera and the Philly forces), the orchestra shined. Throughout, Maestro Nézet-Séguin brought a settled quality to his conducting, which was in refreshing contrast to the ecstatic exuberance for which the conductor is known.

The evening’s bill charted a sort of progression towards a uniquely American sound (i.e., jazz), beginning with Stravinsky’s ballet score for Pétrouchka. Although the ballet itself is rarely performed these days, the characterful score remains a favorite amongst orchestras. Under Nézet-Séguin’s baton, the music-making was rich, unrushed, and grounded in storytelling. All-in-all, the account managed to make the familiar piece sound freshly minted once more.

The program continued with a vibrant rendition of Kurt Weill’s Symphony No. 2 — a conventionally scored piece that’s a far cry from the eccentric cabaret stylings that have become the composer’s trademark. Indeed, the work shows a fascinating side of the German-born composer’s talents that had me leaning forward with admiration, thanks in no small part to the orchestra’s luminous playing (particularly the warm golden hues of the string section).

The concert concluded with a rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which this year celebrates its centennial. For its big anniversary, the iconic piece has received a makeover from the Marcus Roberts Trio, who has given it a discernably jazzy spin. If the interplay between the trio’s improvisation and the studied precision of the Philadelphia Orchestra wasn’t quite as seamless as one would have hoped for, the collaboration was nevertheless a crowd-pleasing endeavor that ended the evening on an upbeat note.

RECOMMENDED

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA
Classical Music
Carnegie Hall
Approximately 2 hours (with one intermission)
One night only (January 23rd)

Categories: Music, Other Music

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