Stilwell, WSO present powerful Anne Frank work
This week is thought to be the 50th anniversary of the death of
Anne Frank.
In commemorating the occasion Thursday night at the Centennial
Concert Hall, Maestro Bramwell Tovey and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
selected music marking oppression - not just its terror, but the components of
hope, optimism and compassion that run through Anne Frank's diary and which
served as the common element for each piece played.
The Czech/Canadian composer Oskar Morawetz was present to hear
his 1970 composition, From the Diary of Anne Frank, for mezzo soprano and
orchestra. It was sung by soloist Jean Stilwell.
Powerful work
This is a powerful, moving work with the orchestra very active
in supporting and often creating the narrative. With a logical discourse and
fervor honest to a fault, Morawetz's piece might rightly be called a Canadian
classic.
And the composer certainly wouldn't find fault with the superb
Stilwell. Here is an artist who covers everything she does with glory, and
Thursday night was no exception. Tovey's side was equally fine, especially the
eloquent closing pages and quite thrilling passages preceding.
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