N.Z.S.O. in concert

Press, 1 February 1986, Page 8

N.Z.S.O. in concert

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by i John Lanchbery in “Sum- ■ mer Pops” at the Town Hall Auditorium, January 31, 8 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. Exit Michael Jackson i and the Beatles, re-enter Lehar and Ponchiellie; a i return to conservative i pops programming was ] evident in the New Zea- i land Symphony Orches- 1 tra’s concert last even- i ing. i This was a pity, for at i least the driving rock beat that characterised the 1985 pops concert quickened the pulse and kept 1 the feet tapping. In the main, last evening’s line- j up ft of predominately syrupy .tunes. and, sedate j waltz rhythms made for ( drowsy listening. . ; The highlight the ! concert was undoubtedly < the appearance of r 21fjriffimce of Gerihj&’t£!

“Rhapsody in Blue.” His delivery of this cross-over concerto from the 1920 s was tidy, featuring clean rhythms and spaciously aired melodies. His sound, unfortunately, was no match for the orchestra during moments of exuberant tutti playing. However, in passages of orchestral calm and in the cadenzas he displayed a pleasing ear for the Gershwin colourings and an obvious feel for the Jazz rhythms. Of the other works on the programme, Offenbach’s “Orpheus in the Underworld” overture provided a rousing start for the evening. The impact of this, though, was dampened by the disconcerting strength of the side drum off-beats in the can-can finale. Ravel’s "Pavane pour une infante defunte” beIgan promisingly with a jepsitive horn solo but

quickly lost intensity in the face of a lacklustre delivery. The banal material for Ponchiellie’s “Dance of the Hours” and Lehar’s “The Merry Widow Suite” (arranged by the conductor, John Lanchbery), though gamely handled by the orchestra, carried little appeal. Sibelius’s “Valse Triste” was given careful treatment and provided an admirable foil for the spirited rendition given Turina’s “Orgia” from “Danzas Fantastlcas.” The opening of Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien,” with its commanding brass writing, provided the most arresting musical moment of the evening. The momentum generated in this, happily, was carried through by the other lines, particularly the strings, and thejvork brought the formal to a satisfactory close.