NYPhil concert in S.D. features Beethoven, Sibelius

By Eileen Wingard

SAN DIEGO — The New York Philharmonic, the legendary orchestra whose history includes maestros such as Demitri Metropolis, Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez,  Zubin Mehta, Kurt Mazur and Lorin Maazel, presented a thrilling concert at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center under the direction of its current conductor, Alan Gilbert. Gilbert is the son of NYPhil violinist, Yoko Takebe, and former NYPhil violinist, Michael Gilbert.  An accomplished violinist in his own right, Alan Gilbert is the first native New Yorker to hold the post of music director of the 174-year-old ensemble, the oldest symphony orchestra in the nation.

Under Gilbert’s direction, the NYPhil exuded youthful energy. Gilbert conducted without a baton. Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Symphony #7 were led from memory, so there appeared to be a strong, intimate connection between conductor and musicians as he signaled his forces. The overture received a crisp reading, with bold dynamic contrasts. The oboe entrances were pure sunshine.

The first and second movements of the symphony contained clearly delineated fugues, revealing the virtuosity of each section of this well-honed ensemble. The second movement evolved from its simple theme, adding layers of intensity with each variation. After the light-hearted Presto movement, the Finale sped to an invigorating climax. Only in that movement, might the initial string theme and the accompanying brass have been better balanced.

The second half of the program featured works by the celebrated Finnish composer, Jan Sibelius, his 7^th Symphony, a one-movement work and the brilliant Finlandia, whose main theme has become the anthem of Finland.

Gilbert has a great affinity for Scandinavian composers, having served as the conductor of the Stockholm Symphony before taking over his NY post. Stockholm was where Sibelius’ 7^th Symphony received its premiere in 1924. Gilbert guided the orchestra through its subtle tempo changes with a deft hand. The work featured a beautifully-played trombone solo.

Finlandia was performed with inspired grandeur. It was a fitting finale to this exciting concert. As an encore, Gilbert chose another work by Sibelius, Valse Triste, a calm and subdued ending for the stirring program.

As I read the roster of musicians, I recognized the names of several members of the New York Philharmonic who were former colleagues in the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Judith LeClair, principal bassoon, once held that post in our ranks; Arlen Fast, contrabassoon, also performed with the SDSO; the principal viola, Cynthia Phelps, who has a steller career as soloist and chamber musician, once led our viola section.

Other members on the NYPhil roster, who have Southern California connections, include Sheryl Staples, principal associate concertmaster, who was once concertmaster of Los Angeles’ Debut Orchestra, and violinist Bracha Malkin, playing as an extra for the NYPhil tour, who spent her early years in San Diego, where her father, Russian-born violin pedagogue, Isaac Malkin, was a prominent teacher before moving to New York. He now serves on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music.

San Diego classical music lovers should be grateful to the La Jolla Music Society for bringing such great orchestras to our city. We must also never stop supporting our own San Diego Symphony Orchestra, which continues to boast outstanding, world-class talent.

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Wingard, a retired violinist with the San Diego Symphony, is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts.  She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com.  Comments intended for publication in the space below MUST be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence. (City and country for those outside the United States.)