photo credit: sophie yao – the oregonian
First of all, here is the nicely written review by James McQuillen of the Oregonian.
I’d say McQuillen hit the nail pretty much on the head. It would have been nice to hear more of Perlman’s playing – it really was the draw for much of the crowd. His orchestral appearances with this orchestra are rarer than hen’s teeth (he hasn’t appeared since I joined the orchestra 11 years ago), and though the Beethoven Romances are wonderful little gems, there was little for the audience to sink their teeth into (aside from music-making as only Perlman could deliver, that is).
Perlman as a conductor is an interesting animal. He is full of great ideas that he is able to convey fairly well. He’s not a virtuoso with the baton like he is with the violin – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He gives the orchestra a chance to breathe – to shape phrases with a common voice, but without a straightjacket.
The concerts were a measure of how much the orchestra has grown artistically over the last five years. We could never have sustained the level of rhythmic discipline with minimal direction in years past, and even when the sound was full-out in the Tchaikowsky, there was always a suppleness, depth and lack of hardness that wouldn’t have been present before.
It would be a coup if we were able to establish a continuing relationship with the maestro for future seasons – he would, I hazard a guess on behalf of the rest of the orchestra, be a welcomed presence on the podium, both from the stage and the hall. Rumor has it that he might return in the 08-09 season – this would depend upon many variables including his availability – but it is a good rumor to think about!
P.S. – as for the photo – you can see the author in the lower left-hand corner.
One reply on “Concerts with Perlman”
You were wonderful and so was the rest of the orchestra. By the time Carlos leaves our area of the balcony will have finally gotten how hard you all have worked. The violas were amazing tonight. Thank you.