NACO lifts 'the blues'
If you are blue and looking for a means of dragging yourself from the depths
of depondency, try the repeat this evening of the NAC Orchestra's concert at the
Opera.
The program is identical with that offered Wednesday night and if tonight's
performance measures up to it, then you are in for a very pleasant evening of
music making.
The program is a little more substantial than usual - music by Bartok,
Morawetz and Schubert - but it is performed with such polish and zest that you
will probably find yourself mesmerized by the music.
Oscar [sic] Morawetz is one of Canada's most distinguished composers. His
Harp Concerto, composed little more than two years ago, is one of those
works that has an immediate appeal, even to the most unsophisticated listener.
It is in three movements, is replete with dramatic and dynamic contrasts that
grip your attention and, particularly in the slow movement, has an emotional
appeal that is instantaneous. This is not music you can ignore.
It was performed last night by Erica Goodman, who gave its world premiere,
with skill and authority.
That the piece stood up well immediately after the Bartok Divertimento for
Strings is a measure of its solidity.
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