Review: "Brightmusic concert features special clarinet performance"
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 2010 14:19 BY NANCY CONDIT, The City Sentinel
Gregory Lee (violin), Katrin Stamatis (violin), Chad Burrow (clarinet), Jonathan Ruck (cello) and Royce McLarry (viola) perform Alan Shulman’s “Rendezvous for Clarinet and Strings.” Photos by David Johnson
Brightmusic’s third concert of the season at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral provided a virtuoso showcase for the clarinet in chamber music.
Chad Burrow’s performance on the clarinet in Heinrich Baerman’s Quintet No. 3 in E Flat Major for Clarinet and Strings, Op. 23 was the evening’s highlight.
The first movement – Allegro non troppo – was a showpiece for the clarinet and Burrow. Violinists Gregory Lee and Katrin Stamatis, Royce McLarry on viola, and Jonathan Ruck on the cello wonderfully filled out the quintet.
Alan Shulman’s Rendezvous for Clarinet and Strings (1946) was a pleasure to hear. It was originally composed for Benny Goodman, and is available on iTunes.
Double bassist George Speed joined the other string players in a fine performance of Dvorak’s Quintet for Strings in C Major, Op. 77/B49.
Brightmusic’s November 3rd concert filled St. Paul’s Cathedral at N.W. 7th and Robinson.
The appearance of special guest pianist David Blumenthal with Brightmusic performers Lee, McLarry and Ruck playing Brahms’ outstanding fourth movement Quartet for Piano and Strings in G Minor, op 25 led to a performance the musicians plainly enjoyed.
The fourth presto movement still resonates with this writer in its speed, clarity and in the harmony between the performers.
It was an outstanding evening of music.
“Chamber music is a very intimate playing and listening experience. It’s much more fun than playing with a number of musicians,” said Johnson.
The performance was free, and is intended to be part of Oklahoma City’s cultural renaissance, said David Johnson, vice president, in remarks to the audience.
Brightmusic’s board has decided to expand the classical music performances played by professional musicians by adding performances at Casady School as well as St. Paul’s, more musicians, and commissioned pieces.
Brightmusic is supported by contributors, donations, and a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council.
