Reviews

April 2 2005, Rocky Mountain News
Review of Colorado Symphony Orchestra Concert
by Marc Shulgold

The Colorado Symphony is serving up plenty of novelty at Boettcher Hall this weekend - from the rarity of a piano concerto by little-known American composer Edward Collins to a rising- star appearance by young American conductor Laura Jackson to the surround-sound excitement of Respighi's tribute to Rome's plentiful pines.

Marin Alsop and pianist William Wolfram collaborated on Collins' 3rd Concerto, as they had done previously in the recording on Albany Records. So it's safe to say that the performance heard Friday was close to definitive. Certainly, one can't ask for more bravura or colorful playing than Wolfram delivered.

Collins (1886–1951) has almost vanished from the music scene—although these weekend performances have taken on a high profile, with 75 of the Chicago composer's relatives expected at tonight's concert.

There is much to like in his music, even if this concerto offers only a smattering of memorable moments.

After a sprawling opening movement, the Intermezzo brings a rhythmic playfulness that is set off nicely against the succeeding Nocturne and easy- to-follow Rondo finale. Alsop and Wolfram gave a committed reading, aided by muscular accompaniment from the CSO.

To open the evening, Jackson led a solid account of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet. As recipient of the Taki-Concordia Fellowship (established by Alsop), she made the most of her time in the spotlight. With its twists and turns, the Tchaikovsky is no picnic for a conductor, but this reading never lost momentum or focus. Fluid, if reserved, in her stick technique, Jackson was efficient with her cueing, and thoroughly musical in her approach.

After intermission, Alsop drew out all of the technicolor splendor of Respighi's popular tone portraits, The Pines of Rome and The Fountains of Rome .

As usual, the CSO was up to the virtuosic demands of these busy scores (nice solo work from Scott Natzke, trumpet, and Bil Jackson, clarinet in Pines ), while the conductor never let the energy flag - sending three pairs of brass players up to the rafters for Pines' Big Finish.

Incidentally, the evening began with violist Basil Vendryes' announcement of the passing earlier this week of venerable music critic/raconteur Blair Chotzinoff. An appropriate salute, considering Chotzinoff's lengthy love affair with the orchestra - although, as a lifelong Respighi hater, he probably would have left at intermission.

Marc Shulgold is the music and dance writer. Shulgoldm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-5296

Copyright 2005, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved.