Review of MW4

The majestic opening chords of George Frideric Handel’s Overture from “Music for the Royal Fireworks” (1749) got the Asheville Symphony concert off to a sparkling start last Saturday evening in Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The large audience welcomed the short piece with enthusiasm both for the character of the music and for the vivid performance led by Conductor Daniel Meyer. 

George Gershwin’s ubiquitous “Rhapsody in Blue” (1924) brought guest piano soloist Di Wu to the stage to give a scintillating account of the beloved iconic American composition.
Though the opening clarinet glissando was barely audible, it quickly picked-up and was rhythmically spontaneous and expressive throughout. The big tune in the midsection, which everyone can hum along with the performers, was indeed lush and atmospheric, leading to the jazzy finale.

Soloist Di Wu got a standing ovation which brought her to the piano again for an encore: “Caprice” by Polish-German composer Moritz Moszowski (1854-1925). His elaborate show pieces were once very popular and often played.

The major work of the concert was Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Opus 95 (1953). This is clearly music of a tortured soul. The bleak and unremitting atmosphere was well-interpreted by Meyer and the orchestra. The moments of hushed repose in the long first movement were particularly well-played. The tension and concentration of mood in the third movement led to the welcome allegro in the final movement. Though the symphony proved to be a difficult and demanding listen, the great depth of feeling throughout made it a remarkable musical experience.  

 
by John Bridges