By Eileen Wingard
SAN DIEGO– The soft, rippling notes of the flute, entwined with the clarinet, sang forth with ease and authenticity as the PKF-Prague Philharmonia, under the direction of its French conductor, Emmanuel Villaume, began Smetena’s The Moldau at the La Jolla Music Society-sponsored concert January 25.
Shimmering strings entered, overlaying the flow of notes with the Hatikvah-like main theme. The moving river continued to be depicted in Smetena’s most famous tone poem, with horns rendering a hunting scene, followed by the folk dance of a peasant wedding. There were Nymphs in the moonlight enhanced by glistening harp arpeggios; then the strong sounds of rapids, portrayed by the brass and timpani. The music became softer, as the river disappeared into the distance. Two loud chords marked the final cadence.
Although the orchestra of 64 is smaller than most symphony orchestras, under Villaume’s expressive direction, it projected a robust presence in Copley Symphony Hall.
The soloist for the evening, French cellist Gautler Capucon, drew a deep-throated, warm tone from his 1707 Matteo Goffriller cello, as he utilized a large palette of dynamics in an energetic performance of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. One of the remarkable moments was Capucon’s crescendo, near the end of the last movement, which rose, seamlessly, from an almost inaudible pianissimo to a strong fortissimo.
After intermission, the Prague orchestra returned for a memorable performance of Dvorak’s Symphony #8. The first movement began with the six member cello section singing the opening theme. This same section delivered the beginning of the last movement, with beautiful sonority. The second movement featured haunting ensemble work by the woodwind section, as well as lovely solos by the clarinet and the concertmaster. Most engaging, was the third movement, with its lilting waltz theme, played by the violins.
A precise unison trumpet fanfare ushered in the last movement, a theme and variations which included a Turkish March, and finished with a joyful coda.
I recalled my visit to Prague, many years ago, when it was still under Communist rule. Food was scarce, but concerts were plentiful and inexpensive. My husband and I attended performances every evening of our three day stay, and delighted in the programs which featured only Czech composers: Smetena, Dvorak and Janecek. The Prague Philharmonia plays music by Czech composers as if they had imbibed it with their mother’s milk.
Their youthful personnel is reflected by the presence of women throughout the orchestra and a dress code, which allows women to wear sleeveless gowns.
Kristin Lancino, President and Artistic Director of the La Jolla Music Society, welcomed the large audience at the beginning of the program and offered thanks to Joan and Irwin Jacobs, the generous philanthropists, known for their support of cultural, educational, medical and Jewish institutions, for underwriting the evening’s concert.
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Wingardm a former 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