Radzynski excels in La Jolla violin recital

By Eileen Wingard

Eileen Wingard

LA JOLLA, California — David Radzynski, concertmaster of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, gave an engaging recital Tuesday evening, June 17, in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth El, under the auspices of Mainly Mozart and the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Collaborating at the piano was the Los Angeles-based pianist, Mark Robson.

As is expected in a Mainly Mozart concert, Radzynski gave Mozart his due by opening with a pair of two movement violin-piano sonatas, No. 27 in G Major, K. 379 and the better-known No. 21 in E minor, K. 304.

The G Major Sonata began with a majestic slow movement, played with well-sculpted dynamics and golden tone, followed by an energetic theme and variations. It included variations by the piano alone and a variation in which the violin played pizzicato.

The two movements of the E minor Sonata were performed with soulful sweetness and grace.
Occasionally, I wished the piano would have been a bit less prominent, but given their meager rehearsal time—
the pianist came to San Diego the day before the performance—their ensemble was very admirable.

The highlight of the program was the Debussy Sonata. That final chamber music work by the great French
impressionist composer, although in the classical sonata form, contains all the characteristics that define his style. There were whole-tone harmonies, pentatonic sections, jazzy rhythms, and parts that evoked visions of the changing colors of the sea. Radzynski played with confident technique and a suave tone quality that beautifully illuminated this masterpiece.

The final work of this intermission-less recital was the Recitative and Scherzo for unaccompanied violin by Fritz Kreisler. The soloist tossed off this virtuoso piece with aplomb.

David Radzynski will serve as concertmaster for the final Mainly Mozart Orchestra concert Saturday, June 22, 8:00 p.m. at the Balboa Theatre, under the direction of Mainly Mozart Music Director, Michael Francis, featuring pianist Conrad Tao in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20, K.466 in D minor, Mozart’s Prague Symphony and Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. Tickets are still available at 619-239-0100.

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Wingard is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts.  She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com