The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) never ceases to amaze with its thematic programs played with beautiful intensity and pristine quality.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, the BSO performed an All-American program with Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring and Old American Songs, Edward Collins' Tragic Overture and George Gershwin's An American in Paris.
There is nothing more special than seeing a performance live — whether the music is familiar or unfamiliar tends to be irrelevant — where the music resonates within the warm atmosphere of the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
To put the cherry on top, Maestra Marin Alsop finishes off the way in which the music comes to life on stage through her energetic yet controlled conducting that translates to the precise and lyrical playing of this performance.
While the humor in the "I Bought Me a Cat" children's song in Old American Songs, performed by the orchestra accompanying the brilliant baritone William Sharp (where Sharp playfully imitates multiple barnyard sounds) was throughly enjoyable, as were the contrasting alternations between the thematic material of war and peace in Tragic Overture, the favorites of the night were the first and last pieces.
The well-known and well-loved Appalachian Spring produces scenic images of pastoral settings through open intervals, simple melodies, long and smooth tones and yet catchy, playful rhythms that undergo variations or eventually change into new rhythms as well as nuances in slow and fast tempos — all qualities that are cleverly and precisely captured by the BSO.
Although Copland grew up in New York, his music rings with the American west, as well as rural influences that not only depict images of the American frontier, but also celebrate the first intrepid settlers who forged paths into America.
Specifically appealing in Appalachian Spring are the clarinet solos that introduce Shaker dance tunes.
These frequently connect the piece together, particularly through the clarinet's interactions with the string players.
Additional melodies and harmonies are put into variations and develop throughout the piece, only to return again to the hall echoing and resonating with pastoral images of the "affirming scenario that drew on the pioneer spirit that built the country."
Fans of Copland's Appalachian Spring and Old American Songs would surely enjoy other popular pieces by him: Billy the Kid and Rodeo.
Gershwin's An American in Paris parallels the spirit of Copland's Appalachian Spring in that they both celebrate the entrance into a new world: an American finds himself fascinated when placed into the atmosphere of Paris.
Yet, instead of the rural images we envision in Copland's piece, we picture the vivacity of Paris and the liveliness of the streets as well as French atmosphere through central jazz sections.
Unlike Copland's music, Gershwin purposely works multiple instrumental parts into the piece so that each part is not as simple or clearly distinguishable.
Just as the American is overwhelmed with the sounds and excitements of Paris, we too are happily overwhelmed with the rush of sounds from the brass, strings, percussion and woodwinds playing simultaneously with each other.
In comparison to the wind ensemble version, the orchestral version actually gives the piece better justice in adding greater color and life through more instrumental parts.
Even in a bluesy section of the piece where the American suddenly feels homesick, we still feel the rhythmic undertones that eventually transition back into the spirit and power of Paris life.
Through the similar yet contrasting pieces of Copland and Gershwin, the audience could not help but generate good feelings from the pleasurable, imaginable and enthusiastic program performed by the BSO.
The BSO has an interesting repertoire for the rest of the season. A concert that is sure to please includes the one on April 13-15, when the BSO will perform Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture, Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, and Stravinsky's Firebird.
Can you get enough of the "–skys" in one concert?
Additionally, if you are here in Baltimore next summer, the BSO will conclude the season with one of a favorite Stravinsky piece, The Rite of Spring.
