March 4, 2006 7:30 pm
Great Hall, GBPAC, Cedar Falls
David Shifrin, clarinet
Barber – Overture, The School for Scandal
Copland – Clarinet Concerto
Herrmann – Psycho, Suite for strings
Hindemith – Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes by Carl Maria von Weber
Director brings out WCFSO’s strengths in ‘American Modern’ show
By George F. Day
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier
March 9, 2006
The most recent offering by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, under music director Jason Weinberger, featured David Shifrin on solo clarinet. In 'American Modern,' four pieces by composers of 20th century were performed. Three of the artists were born and lived in the United Sates; the fourth, Paul Hindemith, spent the last third of his life here.
The event could be aptly described as a learning experience. The four pieces are not overly familiar, and that fact – along with Maestro Weinberger’s clear and helpful commentary – broadened our knowledge of music.
The program opened with a stirring performance of Samuel Barber’s Overture to 'The School for Scandal.' Next came the show piece of the evening, Aaron Copland’s Concerto for clarinet, played by Shifrin. The piece is decidedly modern with strong elements of jazz, boogie woogie and fold rhythms. Shifrin charmed the audience with his technique, golden tone and warm stage manner.
After intermission, we were treated to two more startling pieces. The first was a score by Bernard Herrmann written for the famous Hitchcock film 'Psycho.' This music is perturbing especially as it reflects the story’s vicious and famous stabbing scene. The slashing knife strokes through the shower curtain are vividly evoked, and caused nervous twitters from the audience.
The final work by Hindemith consisted of four powerful, energetic movements based on themes written by Carl Maria von Weber. Weinberger’s conducting was of such great exactitude and emotional warmth that the orchestra and audience gave him a thunderous ovation.
Note: All reviews are edited for length and spelling.