Review: El Paso Symphony Orchestra shines in 'The Seventh Symphonies' concert
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra delivered a standout performance in “The Seventh Symphonies: Classical Poetry,” pairing works by Prokofiev and Beethoven in a concert that showcased the ensemble’s artistry.
Program pairing Prokofiev and Beethoven highlights ensemble’s depth and energy without a guest soloist
Leah Romero
EL PASO - The El Paso Symphony Orchestra was in top form Friday night with a program that highlighted the ensemble’s artistry and prowess.
This weekend’s concert series, “The Seventh Symphonies: Classical Poetry,” brings together two major symphonies by two distinct composers. Unlike recent concerts, this performance did not feature a guest soloist, meaning the talents of the local ensemble were on full display.
The first half of the concert opened with Sergei Prokofiev’s final symphony, Symphony No. 7, Op. 131. The 30-minute work is on the shorter side but is full of beautiful melodies and colors that move throughout the ensemble. I wasn’t very familiar with the piece going into the concert, but Nathan Black gave a helpful lecture on the program ahead of the performance. Each movement left me wondering what would come next, with a bittersweet beginning and middle and livelier moments in the second and fourth movements. It all came to an end with a final pluck from the strings.
The second half of the concert took a nearly 180-degree turn with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, Op. 92. Along with the shift to a major key, the piece carried a more joyful feel. The ensemble thinned somewhat for this work, making it even easier to highlight each string section and wind voice. The woodwinds featured a repetitive melody that bounced among the instruments, while the French horns and trumpets provided moments of contrast.
Maestro Bohuslav Rattay was especially demonstrative Friday night, adding to the visual experience. At the end of the final movement, I was left with a smile on my face and a rhythm stuck in my head.
Leah Romero is a freelance writer based in southern New Mexico. She can be reached at www.LeahRRomero.com.
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