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Pasadena Symphony Plays Schickele
By Joseph N. Feinstein
For their first concert of the new year, Jorge Mester and The Pasadena Symphony offered three romantic pieces: Schubert's Symphony No. 6 in C major (The "Little" Symphony as distinguished from No. 7, The "Great"); Tchaikovsky's Serenade For Strings; and the world premiere of Peter Schickele's Concerto for Viola and Orchestra - a piece he wrote for Danielle Farina to play in her debut with the symphony.
There is no doubt that Rossini influenced Schubert greatly. Certain melodies and harmonies which race along a la The William Tell Overture are evident in several movements. Rossini had a tremendous effect on many composers of the late eighteenth century. The horns sounded weak at the beginning of the symphony, but as it progressed, the scherzo was lively and the horns made an exuberant impression. The opening theme of the second movement reminded me of "Ring Around The Rosie....", playful and melodic. The finale was rousing and quite well received. Dying when he was only thirty-one, Schubert and the world had hardly begun to reap the benefits of his great talent.
Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings is a showpiece for the string section of any symphony. The Pasadena Symphony's magnificent string section spun out a glorious sound. For melody and purpose, the Serenade will get your soul stirring in many ways. Jorge Mester conducted the piece with all the bravado and conviction at his disposal, and the orchestra responded beautifully to his every baton stroke. The applause was that of a very appreciative audience.
Peter Schickele's Concerto for Viola and Orchestra was dedicated to Mr. Schickele's brother, David, who played the viola and who died seven years ago at sixty-two years of age. The composer is the comedian of PDQ Bach fame and shared in the accolades bestowed upon Ms. Farina at the conclusion of his piece. Mr. Schickele's concerto is not very involved. The music depicts the lovely meadows, street scenes, and moods of brother David, "...the places in his life", and they are manifested gently and sweetly by the orchestra. The Concerto is composed of four movements: Dawn Song (Nevada), The Big Apple, Sutpin's Meadow, Song for Gail (San Francisco).
Ms. Farina, dressed in a lovely gown, played with vigor and feeling. The fourth movement reflected shades of Copeland and perhaps a little Ellington. We agreed we would enjoy hearing this piece again.
The Pasadena Symphony's next concert is scheduled February 4 and will feature Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony.
The Pasadena Symphony Pasadena Civic Auditorium 300 E. Green St. Pasadena, CA
Tel. 626-793-7172
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