Thursday, December 10, 1998
Philharmonic pays tribute to former 30-year leader
MUSIC: Orchestra plays with group, solo mastery
in honor of Fleischmann
By Brent Hopkins
Daily Bruin Staff
As the lights dimmed in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on
Tuesday, the crowd, attired in stately tuxedos and gowns, sat
raptly, awaiting the first notes to fill the air. Conductor Zubin
Mehta strode onstage to the sound of applause, took his place at
the helm, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic launched into a vigorous
rendition of Wagner’s "Meistersinger Prelude." With its majestic
introduction, carried by soaring strings and prominent horns, it
made an excellent prologue to an evening of consummate
professionalism.
The program, a tribute to former Managing Director Ernest
Fleischmann, showcased both masterful group dynamics and skilled
solo performances. As the guiding force behind the L.A.
Philharmonic from 1968 until this year, Fleischmann is credited as
building it into one of the world’s foremost performance
orchestras.
"He’s the best in the business," said Donald Muggeridge, oboist
with the Philharmonic since 1955. A former UCLA English student,
Muggeridge also described Fleischmann as being an "organizational
genius, responsible for making this a great orchestra."
After the stirring beginning, Mehta guided the orchestra into
Shostakovich’s "Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major." Featuring
renowned cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, its original performer, the
concerto was an extended voyage through intensity. The foreboding
introduction gave way to a dynamic battle between Rostropovich’s
floating cello line and a measured, precise string section, setting
the theme for the continuation of the piece.
Rostropovich was a picture of understated virtuosity, plucking
every possible bit of emotion from his instrument. Whether offering
subtle, brooding themes that portended future orchestral conflict,
or scrambling, frantic fills above the solid backing, he was in top
form. At times, his spirited playing came across as discordant with
the background orchestration, which lent a jarring tension to the
music. After completing the concerto, he was greeted with a
thunderous ovation and numerous bravos.
The audience’s warm reception of the master cellist did not go
unnoticed. In response to their applause, he performed two solo
encores, Bach’s Sarabande and Bouree. As he made his way
deliberately through the unaccompanied pieces, the rest of the
orchestra looked on in admiration.
"He’s really an icon," Gloria Lum, Philharmonic cellist and USC
alumna who studied music for two years at UCLA said. "It’s exciting
to play with him again."
As deferential as the musicians were to Rostropovich, he was
equally complimentary to them. During the lengthy applause
following his performance, he saluted the orchestra numerous times,
going so far as to invite horn player Jerry Folsom, whose mellow
French Horn had added a rich, wide open contrast to his frenzied
cello, to take a bow alongside him.
The second half of the concert featured five songs by Richard
Strauss. Sung by German soprano Gundula Janowitz, the solemn,
understated melodies provided a pleasing contrast to Shostakovich’s
jarring introduction. Janowitz, calm and composed, made up for what
she lacked in physical expression with her powerful voice. Hovering
delicately above the subdued strings, Janowitz added passion and
personality to Strauss’s offerings.
To finish the evening, the focus shifted from the individual to
the group, with the full ensemble performing Tchaikovsky’s
"Francesca da Rimini." A multi-layered masterpiece, the musical
exploration of Dante’s tale of ill-fated lovers expressed the full
power of the Philharmonic. Characterized by its thundering horns,
cacophonous percussion, and melancholy woodwinds, the piece was an
excellent ending to the evening.
Predictably, the ovation was deafening. It seemed to rise in
volume with each bow taken by Mehta, who also invited Rostropovich
and Janowitz to rejoin him onstage. The loudest cheers, however,
were reserved for the guest of honor, Fleischmann. As he stepped
alongside the musicians, the audience rose to their feet and
saluted the former leader of the orchestra. He humbly acknowledged
the praise, bowing simply before offering a brief comment.
"Rostropovich says I should say two words. I’ll say four – I
love you all."
With that and a brief wave, he departed from the stage. On a
night such as this, with so much talent on display, this
understated statement in the face of unabashed adoration was a
fitting conclusion.BAHMAN FARAHDEL/Daily Bruin
Conductor Zubin Mehta leads L.A. Philharmonic on Tuesday to
honor former Managing Director Ernest Fleischmann.
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