The Hollywood Bowl summer season is winding down and my Husband and I (due to our very busy month of July) finally had a few moments to contemplate going to a concert this year. Unfortunately for us, the choices were a Tuesday or a Thursday concert. Being I am a fan of Gershwin and Thursday was better than Tuesday for us (since it was Labor Day on Monday), we chose the Thursday concert. This was the final official bowl week, though other concerts will be using the bowl, well into October.
Here is what we heard:
Fin Tango by Socher
Concerto in F by Gershwin
Symphonie fantastique by Berloiz
The first piece, Fin Tango was composed by LA Philharmonic violinist, Barry Socher. He retired after the performance, concluding a 35 year run at the Phil and that made the playing of the piece, very special. The conductor for the evening, Pablo Heras-Casado, made quite a bit about Barry's retirement, before playing Fin Tango and I thought he did a great job of cluing the audience in to how special the evening was going to be. By the way, Pablo Heras-Casado is up for Principal Conductor of the New York Philharmonic. :-)
Gershwin's piece was very identifiable as a Gershwin composition. Little nods to things you hear in works like Rhapsody In Blue, turned up and gave me much pleasure. Rhapsody being my favorite Gershwin piece. The soloist, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, was just outstanding, during this piece and he got quite the ovation, at the conclusion of Concerto in F.
After the Intermission, we went into Symphonie fantastique by Berlioz. I have never heard before, but did enjoy it.
My Husband and I were glad we managed to see a performance and it worked out perfect for us. The review in the Los Angeles Times, confirmed our opinion.
If only it had been less humid, I think we would have enjoyed it, even more.
No comments:
Post a Comment