Sunday November 14, 2010

Slavic Serenade: Orchestra London Masterworks Series 2010-2011 Season

by Brian Hay

The first thing to be said about this performance is that the work from the string section, particularly the violins, was exceptionally good.

The first work on the program was 'In the Steppes of Central Asia' by Alexander Borodin. The opening section delivered by the Orchestra's wind section was haunting. The string passages that followed brought the piece to life with a flourish. After that the work was played to it's quiet conclusion. It has to be said that most in attendance weren't quite certain as to when the piece ended. That's not the fault of the orchestra though—simply a lack of familiarity with the music on the part of the audience. It's all part of the learning curve. When the applause came it was ecstatic. This was going to be a great show.

Tchaikovsky's 'Serenade for Strings' is always a favourite and this performance of it showed why. The opening bars were played as if this was a new work and the players were revelling in having discovered it. As the first movement assumed its often frenetic pace it became clear this would be a tour de force for the players. The work from the violin players was fabulous during this piece, particularly throughout the second and third movements.

It was easy to see why Jean-Philippe Tremblay took the ensemble through their paces in such grand style. He makes full use of the dynamics within the music, often (but not always) extending them to the maximum extent of the poles they provide. His communication with the players is superb. It was easy to see him telling them when the sound should swell, slip in to a lull, subside or whatever he needed. He moved them between playing in styles that were sharp and languid abruptly. He takes full advantage of the dramatic effects offered by the punctuation within the music. The responses to the signals he gave were instantaneous.

The sixth symphony by Dvorak allowed him to do this with forces that were far larger in both scope and number. This piece had a full compliment of brass and Tremblay took full advantage of their presence. The ensemble delivered some beautifully lyrical playing when they performed the lovely Adagio that forms the basis for the second movement. They literally ripped through the Scherzo. When they concluded the evening with the thrilling finale the group was given a standing ovation that was richly deserved.

It was a fabulous show.

This performance took place at Centennial Hall in London Ontario on Saturday November 12, 2010. This write up is intended to convey an impression of what it was like to be there.

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