SSO Classical Folk
Symphony Hall, Springfield
January 12
By Wendy Sutter
On Saturday evening, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra offered up their version of "Classically Folk" featuring the works of Aaron Copland and Antonin Dvorak.
Maestro Rhodes and company opened with a rousing rendition of Copland's Rodeo Suite. Written as a ballet showcasing the talents of the infamous Agnes de Mille, Rodeo is an ode to the glories of the Old West and its pioneering spirit. The four-part piece follows the misadventures of a lonely cowgirl searching for love. Permeated with the spirit of Americana, SSO aptly captured the rousing, toe-tapping flavor of Copland's work.
The second selection for the evening featured the considerable talents of Michael Sussman, principal clarinetist for SSO. Mr. Sussman, whose curriculum vitae is of global proportion, impressed the audience with his interpretation of Copland's Clarinet Concerto. Originally commissioned by the late Benny Goodman, the Concerto is a dizzyingly technical work whose appeal lies in the hands of the soloist. Delivered with perfection by Mr. Sussman and company, the Concerto is a spirited piece of modern "classical" music.
Dvorak's Symphony No. 7 closed out the evening. Symphony No. 7 was also a commissioned work written at the request of London's Royal Philharmonic Society for the 1885 musical season. Full of nationalistic sentiment, the work exudes a feeling of Slavic pride and folk spirit associated with many of Dvorak's works. Written in grand style, the symphony is often larger than life. This is a bold work that captivates not only the senses but also the emotions of the listener, who is drawn to the haunting melodies that flow from movement to movement as the orchestra surges forward then softly pulls back. Maestro Rhodes and his ensemble shone brilliantly during this performance and once again brought the audience to their feet. A sparkling ending to an otherwise dull January evening!
January 12
By Wendy Sutter
On Saturday evening, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra offered up their version of "Classically Folk" featuring the works of Aaron Copland and Antonin Dvorak.
Maestro Rhodes and company opened with a rousing rendition of Copland's Rodeo Suite. Written as a ballet showcasing the talents of the infamous Agnes de Mille, Rodeo is an ode to the glories of the Old West and its pioneering spirit. The four-part piece follows the misadventures of a lonely cowgirl searching for love. Permeated with the spirit of Americana, SSO aptly captured the rousing, toe-tapping flavor of Copland's work.
The second selection for the evening featured the considerable talents of Michael Sussman, principal clarinetist for SSO. Mr. Sussman, whose curriculum vitae is of global proportion, impressed the audience with his interpretation of Copland's Clarinet Concerto. Originally commissioned by the late Benny Goodman, the Concerto is a dizzyingly technical work whose appeal lies in the hands of the soloist. Delivered with perfection by Mr. Sussman and company, the Concerto is a spirited piece of modern "classical" music.
Dvorak's Symphony No. 7 closed out the evening. Symphony No. 7 was also a commissioned work written at the request of London's Royal Philharmonic Society for the 1885 musical season. Full of nationalistic sentiment, the work exudes a feeling of Slavic pride and folk spirit associated with many of Dvorak's works. Written in grand style, the symphony is often larger than life. This is a bold work that captivates not only the senses but also the emotions of the listener, who is drawn to the haunting melodies that flow from movement to movement as the orchestra surges forward then softly pulls back. Maestro Rhodes and his ensemble shone brilliantly during this performance and once again brought the audience to their feet. A sparkling ending to an otherwise dull January evening!
Labels: classically folk, greater springfield, music, sso, symphony hall
