On Aug. 25, Anna Handler conducted the LA Phil in a performance of Ablaze the Moon (U.S. premiere) by Grace-Evangeline Mason, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C major, Op. 56, and his Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. Handler is a former Dudamel Fellow and incoming conductor-in-residence.
The opening piece, which I expected to be an inaccessible contemporary composition, was actually a thoroughly enjoyable piece with talented orchestration and beautiful melodies, a rare commodity nowadays. And, though rare in much contemporary music I hear programmed under famous giants of classical music, I would actually listen to it regularly, or at least again. It was a remarkable piece, and it was a pleasure for Mason to be present, to explain her inspiration and express her gratitude.
I always saw Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, Op. 56 as a mediocre piece compared to the rest of his oeuvre. And it’s still not among the greats in his works (compared especially to the piece that followed on the program), but this performance opened my eyes to it. The enthusiasm of the soloists, Bing Wang on violin, Robert deMaine on cello, and Joanne Pearce Martin on piano, combined with Handler’s conducting and the overall performance from the orchestra, was enthralling. I was absorbed by the piece, even though previous viewings of the sheet music left me bored.
After intermission, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony rang out with its four familiar notes on which the whole symphony was based. I brought a friend with me to this performance, and being new to classical music, it was her first time hearing the Fifth in person; it’s safe to say that this performance was a fantastic first experience. The only downside to the experience at all was the fact that it was outside: helicopters would come by only during the quietest parts (of course), like during the second movement and the beginning of the third movement. I suppose I’m spoiled from so many concerts in Walt Disney Concert Hall. The overall experience of the legendary work was incredible. After the piece finished with its fantastic more than minute-long coda, the only other disappointment I had was not from the performance, but rather the crowd. The people who surrounded us were so busy getting ready to leave or talking that the piece and performance alike definitely did not receive the applause they deserved.
All three pieces were assuredly incredible works, and the performances were stellar. Handler, the three soloists, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic pleasantly, and unsurprisingly, delivered on all accounts.
—Haydn Schlinger, Culture Spot LA
For information about upcoming concerts, visit www.laphil.com.
Photo: Anna Handler / courtesy of LA Phil