[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
 |
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
|
|
|
10.18.2001 00:05
Classical Scene by Channing Gray
Rachleff: It's a good time for Tchaikovsky's Fifth
Conductor Larry Rachleff returns to the podium this weekend to lead the Rhode Island Philharmonic in its season opener -- and its first Tchaikovsky symphony under his baton.
Rachleff, who has made a big impression with another Russian composer, Shostakovich, has picked Tchaikovsky's heartfelt Fifth to close out Saturday's program, a choice arrived at last year but one that seems particularly apt since the events of Sept. 11.
"I don't think music has ever been more essential to a community than it is in today's world," said Rachleff last week.
It's time to cherish what's important in our lives, Rachleff said last week from San Antonio, where he is guest conductor for the San Antonio Symphony.
"At this time music has greater meaning to us."
During his five years here, Rachleff has gone in for a blend of dark, intense scores such as the Shostakoviches, hardcore classics such as Brahms, and contemporary pieces, leaving the impression, at least, that Tchaikovsky might be a bit too lightweight for his tastes.
Not so, he insisted. "He's a great composer and the Fifth is an incredibly inspired piece, powerful in both its Russian core and Francophileness.
"But I do it in a different way," said Rachleff. "I don't do it in a sentimental way."
SATURDAY'S PROGRAM OPENS
with the
Meditation
and
Dance of Vengeance from Samuel Barber's
Medea.
Rachleff said he doesn't know when the Barber was last performed here.
Then pianist Leon Fleisher takes to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium stage for his rendition of Ravel's left-hand concerto.
Fleisher, one of America's most promising young pianists, had his career sidelined midway through his 1964-65 season by an injury to his right hand, apparently from pushing too hard during long practice sessions.
For a while, Fleisher, also a renowned teacher, made the rounds as a conductor, and every now and then he surfaced with a concerto for two hands. But those were usually Mozart concertos, less technically taxing than, say, Brahms and Rachmaninoff.
Primarily, though, Fleisher has become the most visible champion of music for the left hand alone.
Composers often wrote in this format so that pianists could work on strengthening their normally weak left hands. The left-hand literature often calls on the pianist to cover the entire length of the keyboard, weaving both melody and accompaniment together with just five fingers.
But the better known concertos -- those by Ravel, Prokofiev and Britten -- were all commissioned by Paul (brother of philosopher Ludwig) Wittgenstein, a pianist who lost his right arm at the Russian front during World War I. Of the lot, the Ravel is the best known, and the most successful as a piece of music.
"Fleisher has probably performed the Ravel more than anyone else," said Rachleff. "We're lucky to have him."
Saturday's concert takes place at 8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Avenue of the Arts, Providence. Tickets range from $25 to $48. Call 831-3123.
Armenian choir
The Komitas Chamber Music Choir of Armenia sings Saturday night at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, a concert marking the Christianization of Armenia 1,700 years ago. Providence is one of five cities on the group's U.S. tour.
The choir, part of the opera studio at the Armenian State Conservatory, will be singing settings of the Lord's Prayer, as well as Armenian liturgical chants. The 80-minute program, presented by St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church, is free. SS. Peter and Paul is in Cathedral Square, Providence. Call 272-7712.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
Printer-Friendly Version
