Symphony goes world-class for Made In Canada festival
[...]
From the sensually abstract to the emotionally programmatic.
Oskar Morawetz has attained international respect and recognition
and his Memoriam to Martin Luther King is evidence why.
The opening Shock and Despair conveyed those exact sentiments
and then, in Sorrowful Meditation, guest cellist Gary Hoffman
began to play. Only this was no ordinary solo cello part nor was it
any ordinary cellist. From the opening lamenting tones and throughout
the rest of his solo cello narrative, Hoffman expressed a grief and
despair that was absolutely amazing. Maybe it was the utter
flawlessness of the intonation (rare enough in even the best cellists)
or maybe the fact that the cello's style of weeping, rather than being
convulsive, was restrained yet heartfelt to the core.
One may argue justifiably that the composer's role as creator surpasses
that of the performer, but Hoffman as a medium for this work was
recreating rather than merely executing the profound intentions
and ideas of the composer.
It seems like an almost trivial afterthought to comment on how
exquisite his phrasing was.
[...]
Yes the orchestra was in fine form. The guest cast couldn't have
been better chosen. It was a memorable evening.
