7:30 pm, Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls
Philip Wharton, violin and composer-in-residence
J.S. Bach (arr. Anton Webern) – Musical Offering, Ricercar
Mozart – Violin Concerto no. 1
Philip Wharton – Passing Season [world premiere]
Wagner – Siegfried Idyll
Download concert [143mb]
Related post – Wharton recap [audio]
Related post – Wharton activities
Photos – A Family Affair
Photos – Annual Montage event
Photos – With Philip Wharton
Symphony, guest composer delight
by George F. Day
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
January 16, 2008
On a cold and snowy night last weekend a small but enthusiastic audience of music lovers attended the first concert of the new year by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra at the Oster Regent Theatre. The program was conducted by Jason Weinberger, music director. He was joined on the stage for one work by guest violinist and composer Philip Wharton.
For many in the audience, the high points of the evening came from Wharton's presence, first in his performance of the solo part to Mozart's Violin Concerto no. 1, and secondly in the form of his own composition, "Passing Season."
As performer, Wharton was more than just satisfactory. He had a nice golden tone and breathtaking execution, particularly in the two cadenzas, which he wrote himself, and the final frenzied Presto movement. Wharton's "Passing Season", conduced with great sensitivity by Maestro Weinberger, is impressionistic and quietly emotional. It is very much in the spirit of Appalachian Spring and conveyed an upbeat mood reflecting the beauties of nature. The composer clearly has a sound grasp of what the various instruments can do – especially the winds – and the result is extremely pleasing. Of the young Wharton, an old saying could be applied: "He has a great many strings to his bow." And the audience showed its admiraiton for his skills by giving him a standing ovation.
The program closed with a fine reading of Wagner's "Siegfried Idyll." A beautiful antidote to the severe weather outside.
Note: All reviews are edited for length and spelling.