It was a concert featuring Dawn Upshaw as soloist, but perhaps the best performance was actually by Georges Lentz (b.1965): Te Deum laudamus (1999), which received its New York premiere that day. The piece repeatedly resolves cluster-like dissonances into consonances, and listening to it was electrifying. This is another work I definitely want to hear again.
Bartók was also good, I think.
One distinctive feature of this concert was the large number of works arranged for string ensemble by Richard Tognetti. Szymanowski’s string quartet was particularly successful. It even seemed possible that this version reflected the composer’s intentions better than the original.
For the encore, Street Music of Madrid was excellent. The leader kept playing arpeggios for all he was worth while the other parts joined in. Then the accompanying players put down their bows one by one, and just when I wondered what they were going to do, they all suddenly began playing ukuleles, filling the audience with laughter. This kind of relaxation is necessary from time to time.
Carnegie Hall Presents
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Richard Tognetti, Artistic Director and Leader
Dawn Upshow, SopranoDate: 2004-05-02 14:00
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) Concerto Grosso in D Major, Op.6 No.4 (pub. 1714)
I. Adagio–Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Vivace
IV. AllegroGeorges Lentz (b.1965) Te Deum laudamus (1999, NY Premier)
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten, from Cantata No. 202
Wie zittern unt wnaken, from Cantata No. 105
Wie freudig ist mein Herz, from Cantata No. 199
Dawn Upshow, SopranoIntermission
Bela Bartok (1881-1945) Hungarian Folk Songs (arr. Richard Tognetti, NY Premier)
Annyi banat (1907)
Regi Keserves (1929)
Eddig valo (1917)
Parosito I (1929)
Dawn Upshow, SopranoKarol Szymanowski (188201937) String Quartet No. 2 (1927. arr. R. Tognetti, NY Premier)
I. Moderato, dolce e tranquillo
II. Vivace, scherzando
III. Lento
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