Review: SYMPHONIC CARNIVAL at Sarasota Orchestra

Berlioz's "Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9", Barber's "Violin Concerto, Op. 14", Berstein's "West Side Story, Symphonic Dances", Stravinsky's "Suite from the Firebird" (1919) was a part of the stunning repertoire presented by the Sarasota Orchestra under the magnificent direction of celebrated Guest Conductor Larry Rachleff.

French composer Hector Berlioz was known as an innovative orchestrator. The show notes explain his experimentation with new instruments, bringing the bass clarinet, valve trumpet and English horn to the forefront. The overture is an orchestral showpiece taken from his opera Benvenuto Cellini. The brass section especially loves this work, as it is bold and beautiful featuring a prominent solo for the English horn. This is scored for a large orchestra and Sarasota Orchestra was up to the task. The timpani were especially dramatic and the bass section had an impressive set of 6 stand up basses.

Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto, Op. 14, has been recorded by a number of violinists, including Itzhak Perlman and Isaac Stern. The piece is a laborious work that only a master can play. Sarasota's audiences were treated to guest soloist Benjamin Beilman's vibrant and masterful interpretation. Young Mr. Beilman is known as one of the fastest rising virtuosos whose grace and passion dominate the stage. He gloriously plays the "Engleman" Strativarious from 1709 on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation. He was absolutely captivating to watch and received a standing ovation, returning the love with another difficult piece as his encore.

Leonard Bertsein's West Side Story was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. The show notes explain Bernstein was determined to write a Broadway musical with the characteristics of high art. It was a success beyond all expectations. You could close your eyes and just by hearing the score, picture the violence between the street gangs. One of the most beautiful orchestrations of "Somewhere" will melt your heart in this program. The music carries you through the Mambo where the rival gangs compete in a dance off, then on to the Cha-Cha, the Rumble and the tragic Finale. This score is lush and invigorating.

Igor Stravinsky's "Firebird" is a ballet and orchestral concert piece based on the Russian fairy tales of the Firebird and the blessing and curse it possesses for its owner. The music is as magical as the story it portrays. This strong piece had a whimsical side that was fascinating to hear. Loved the lilting flutes, piccolo and harp.

If you have the opportunity to see Conductor Larry Rachleff, you will note he is a show of his own to behold. He must wear out his clothes from the inside out. The way he moves, stabs at the orchestra, slices the air with is baton, takes a bold stance one moment, then a hunched over bend the next, is exhilarating to watch. His passion for interpretation and understanding of a piece of work is brilliant.

The Sarasota Orchestra is second to none. They are fearless in their approach to difficult pieces that challenge them and delight their audiences. How blessed we are to have them. They have quite a demanding season scheduled and we all cannot wait to see it unfold. For more information visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org.

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