Page 363 - ASMF Marriner 100 Coverage Book

The program opened with a blazing rendition of Mozart’s overture to “The Marriage
of Figaro” that left no doubt Steinmetz’s acoustics were going to star alongside the
orchestra.

Also on the program was Robert Schuman’s Symphony No. 2 in C major, which was
a shining example of energy and precision from the opening notes. The second
movement dialed up the intensity even more, while the third slowed the tempo but
kept up the energy, which swelled all the way to the growing brass voices and
grand timpani-punctuated finale.

But the main event was the Violin Concerto. Bell played with his trademark
virtuosity, practically daring the orchestra to accompany him. The musicians were
fully along for this ride, the lower strings added entrancing texture to the first
movement.

Bell has exquisite technique in jumping from sweet notes to a commanding sound
with maximum dramatic effect. And those high notes have a beautiful musicality;
they don’t sound forced from his violin, they float from it.

His original cadenzas hit the sweet spot of impressing technically while augmenting
the musicality.

The gentler second act allowed the woodwinds to lyrically shine. And while I might
have pulled the volume even quieter in some passages — Steinmetz’s acoustics
allow for such dynamic contrast — that is the nittiest of nitpicks.

The second movement’s beautifully shimmering final note left me wondering if the
audience would clap or not between movements here, as is becoming more the
norm. But the orchestra was one step ahead, launching into a glorious final
movement that built excitingly to a triumphant end.

Friday night’s concert marked the end of the season’s Great Orchestra Series, a
wonderful addition to our cultural landscape by the Dr. Phillips Center. We are
blessed to have our own Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Bach Festival Society
and other local music-making groups who perform in Steinmetz Hall. But isn’t it
fantastic to have this jewel of a venue to welcome top-notch orchestras from all
over the world? Make that doubly blessed.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at
mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more arts news
at OrlandoSentinel.com/entertainment.