The tripartite essay portrays the sorrow of African slaves brought to America, their consolation in religion, and ultimate assimilation. Composed in the early 1930’s for solo piano, for decades it was only known in that version, until an orchestrated score was discovered in 2009. 2 of Arturo Márquez, though one that in spots lacked the guttural force that has greatly popularized the work.īetween these was Florence Price’s Ethiopia’s Shadow in America. The first half closed with an infectious rendition of the Danzón No. The performance fully conveyed the undulating, sarabande feel of the work, enhanced particularly by sultry solo violin contributions from concertmaster Ilana Setapen, who was a standout all evening. Speck opened the concert with the Prelude to Villa-Lobos’ Bachianas Brasileiras No. He and the orchestra offered a program of shorter, vibrant works by composers of color that showcased the CPO’s skill and adaptability. Such flexibility has garnered the orchestra numerous accolades from the Illinois Council of Orchestras in recent years.Īrtistic director and principal conductor Scott Speck has been a key figure in the orchestra’s revitalization, and was at the helm to open the CPO’s 33 rd season Thursday night at the Harris Theater. Teetering on the brink of dissolution 15 years ago, shrewd, sustained reorganization by enlightened management appears to have landed the orchestra with a formula that works, and that makes it a vital addition to the city’s musical climate.Ī versatile, largely musician-run ensemble, with a sizable roster of top-notch area players, the ensemble is equally at home offering a symphonic program as backing up a Queen cover band. The Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra seems to have found its stride. Scott Speck conducted the Chicago Philharmonic Thursday night at the Harris Theater.
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