Short Review of Concert

Portland Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, February 8, 2004, 2:30 PM
Merrill Auditorium, Portland, ME

February 8, 2004 saw the Portland (ME) Symphony Orchestra perform Symphony: Winter Lightning (1984) by Jeffrey Jacob with the composer at the piano. "Symphony," not "concerto" proves the correct designation for the work, as its keyboard part, while challenging, is neither pervasive enough nor prominent enough to truly be the engine to drive a soloist’s vehicle. It’s an attractive New Tonalist selection that exhibits a nicely developed ear for large ensemble timbres. The harmonic language echoes that of Ravel and Holst, though the widespread if unobtrusive use of ostinati and frequent employment of long-spun melodic material keep this far distant from style-study land. Jacob’s pianism was first-rate, featuring tasteful pedaling, clean finger work, and a tone quality perfectly combining presence and richness. The orchestra, led expertly by Toshiyuki Shimada, performed masterfully. Special kudos go to violinist Charles Dimmick and cellist James Kennedy for fine playing in exposed passages.

--David Cleary