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Austin360 blogs > Austin Arts: Seeing Things > Archives > 2010 > September > 12 > Entry
Review: Austin Symphony Orchestra, Andre Watts, piano
Though the centennial of Austin Symphony Orchesta’s founding isn’t until April 2011, ASO is starting the celebrations early with a certain fanfare. And in terms of mood, that fanfare was felt at the Long Center Friday night, the opening concert of the orchestra’s new season.
Music director Peter Bay began the program with William Schuman’s New England Triptych. Based on the hymns of early American Revolution-era composer William Billings, the Triptych a kind full-strength twentieth-century Americana — a Main Street parade of musical quotations that flashes by in impressionistic bursts though Schuman lets Billings’ hymns standout. While the orchestra’s general attack and force had an energy to it, there was some noticeable muddiness in the more vigorous stretches where more alacrity seemed needed.
Pianist André Watts, the evening’s guest artist, delivered a polished if a tad perfunctory performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. Thankfully, Watts held back on easily over-dramatized flourishes, letting Beethoven’s lyricism be the focus, especially in the beautiful second movement. And though he was with the orchestra, Watts seemed to sonically avoided joining it altogether.
After what’s become the obligatory standing ovation for orchestra guest artists, Watts left the stage. No encore for Austin, it seems.
Schumann’s Symphony No. 2 finished the evening’s program after intermission. Again if the orchrestra’s basic attack was there, details and finesse were not. The woodwinds cracked at their few important focused moments. More vigorous passages sometimes seemed a scramble for the orchestra. In the end, the orchestra’s essential competency dominated but what was wanting was élan, intensity and inspiration.
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By musician
September 16, 2010 9:41 AM | Link to this
I’m a member of ASO as well, and actually appreciate that you gave us a critical review for a change. Thanks for listening a little bit more critically this time. Although as a member of the woodwind section, I’d love to know more specifically regarding where you heard us “cracking”. =)
By violinjoe
September 14, 2010 10:46 PM | Link to this
I find your review quite effusive and your comments vague. As a violinist in the Austin Symphony, I can say that there was personally plenty of �alacrity� in the orchestra, whether or not you experienced it. You reference only details that make your review more viable. Consider the beautiful clarinet solo played by Steve Girko in the 3rd movement of the Schumann, or the excellently executed scherzo by the violins (a huge excerpt, which you totally failed to mention). As for Watts, there were 3 cadenzas, and the piece was nearly as long as the symphony, no encore was necessary. Opinions should be based on both the positive and negative, something you failed to do in this maudlin review.
By JG
September 13, 2010 3:12 PM | Link to this
Took a first timer to the symphony and had a great time. I thought Watts’ lack of an encore was disappointing, though. And I agree that he played with great competence, but the piece was such a technical one that it was hard to draw much emotion from it.