TrulyGrace

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra--Gabriela Montero

Earlier this evening, Maureen and I went to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall. Andrés Cárdenes, concertmaster, conducted tonight. The program consisted of:

Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 in one movement (Samuel Barber)

Rhapsody in Blue, with Gabriela Montero at pianoforte (George Gershwin)

Improvisation on an audience-supplied theme, by Ms. Montero

INTERMISSION

"Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero, Andrés Cárdenes, Associate Principal Cello David Premo, and Principal Clarinet Michael Rusinek (by special permission of John Williams)

Symphony No. 5 in D major, Op. 107, "Reformation" (Felix Mendelssohn)

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The first piece was rather emotive and dramatic.

The Gershwin piece had imaginative, moving phrasing as provided by Ms. Montero on the pianoforte. The crowd responded with an appreciative standing ovation.

The improvisation on the Steelers' chant "Way to Go, Steelers, Way to Go" was nothing short of inspired, ending in a Latin beat (cha cha?). She is a wonderful, beautiful natural talent---and the audience erupted with an immediate standing ovation.

We saw Fabiola and Jose on the landing at the Dress Circle level at intermission. We exchanged greetings, as we were on our way to the Grand Lobby to greet the artist at intermission. The elevator was inoperable, so we waited in line patiently. Gabriela Montero signed my CD and program, and we chatted ever-so briefly.

The next piece was a pleasant surprise---the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra received permission to perform "Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero and the PSO musicians this weekend. "Air and Simple Gifts" was the musical piece commissioned for Barack Obama's Inauguration Ceremony. For the last curtain call, Ms. Montero in her black-with-gold-hemmed dress sported a Terrible Towel 'round her neck.

The Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony provided a suitable anchor to the evening's program.

As I exited, I ran into Richard Teaster and showed my appreciation for the music on the 9th of this month at the Cathedral. "A well-performed program that included diverse pieces," I said. "The Friday before Palm Sunday we will be in Synod Hall," he indicated, inviting. "Thanks," I said.

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Maureen and I headed to Crazy Mocha in Bloomfield for cups of hot cocoa and a Devil's food-cream cheese muffin. I spotted a doggie under the table next door..."Pippa" is her name, as her owner mumbled her name so that she would not think he were calling her.