April 2, 2005 7:30 pm
Great Hall, GBPAC, Cedar Falls
Wendy Chen, piano
Mozart – Piano Concerto no. 27
Webern – Variations for Orchestra
Schubert – Symphony no. 9, 'Great'
WCFSO captivates audience with final classical concert
By George F. Day
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
April 6, 2005
The final classical music concert of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra’s 75th anniversary season took place last weekend at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Conducting was Jason Weinberger, music director, and guest soloist was pianist Wendy Chen.
The program was entitled ‘Vienna Treat’ since all three works played were created by composers who lived and worked in that city. Fist on the bill was Anton Webern’s Variations for Orchestra, Op. 30. It is music that flies in the face of what most people consider ‘music.’ Webern does not give us traditional melody, harmony or structure, and there are few sequential sounds. Instead we hear individual notes, separated by longer than usual silences. These are interesting and not at all disagreeable. On this occasion the Variations, which constitute a devilishly difficult score, were splendidly played by the orchestra. The audience gave it a polite hearing and applauded appreciatively.
In sharp contrast came Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27 for piano, which charmed the audience and made us aware of the incomparable genius of the great composer who wrote this piece at age 35. The concerto is utterly captivating, a perfect fusion of orchestra and solo instrument. Also captivating was pianist Chen. Her interpretation was masterful, her technique impeccable. She won the audience’s heart, and they gave her a tumultuous standing ovation.
After intermission, we were treated to a memorable performance of Schubert’s ‘Great Symphony’ in G Major. This work combines the composer’s remarkable facility for writing tender, bittersweet songs and a big, bold energetic style.
Note: All reviews are edited for length and spelling.