Buffalo Philharmonic strings shine in radiant Arensky and Shostakovich

By Phillip Nones, 23 February 2021

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Reviewed at Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo on 23 February 2021

Uber, Trio for Brass

Arensky, Variations on a theme by Tchaikovsky, Op.35a

Shostakovich, String Quartet No. 8 in C minor "Malinconia", Op.110 (arr. Lucas Drew)

Haydn, Symphony no. 44 in E minor "Mourning" (Trauersymphonie)

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

JoAnn Falletta, Conductor

Sheryl Hadeka, French horn

Geoffrey Hardcastle, Trumpet

Tim Smith, Trombone

Resplendent interpretations by Yang and Falletta with the Buffalo Phil

Phillip Nones, 13th October

JoAnn Falletta demonstrates her customary excellence in colorful orchestral works by Ibert and Respighi, while Joyce Yang hits the mark in capturing the jazz-classical fusion in Gershwin’s Piano Concerto.

****1

JoAnn Falletta and the Chooi brothers present varied Buffalo program

Phillip Nones, 4th May

A grab-bag of musical goodies from Bach to the present day showcases the virtuosity of the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Chooi brothers.

****1

José Lezcano's Concierto Hispanoamericano premieres in Buffalo

Phillip Nones, 5th May

In Buffalo, old meets new in an insightful Brahms Fourth Symphony that shares the billing with a world premiere concerto for two double basses and harp.

*****

Insightful Elgar from Polo, Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic

Phillip Nones, 12th November

JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic showcase the rich diversity of four compelling 20th century works composed just 15 years apart, including Elgar's Cello Concerto, played by Asier Polo.

****1

Malofeev's Prokofiev thrills with the Buffalo Philharmonic

Phillip Nones, 4th March

In a welcome reminder of what Russia can be at its best, Alexander Malofeev, JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic present memorable scores by Prokofiev and Scriabin.

****1

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky, Enescu and Hailstork

Phillip Nones, 18th February

A well-known rhapsody and symphony bracket Adolphus Hailstork's 1992 Piano Concerto in an all-around convincing performance featuring exciting soloist Stewart Goodyear.

****1

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Phillip Nones

Phillip Nones studied piano from age six, also playing percussion in educational and civic groups before moving to a rural area of the USA in 1990, where performance opportunities were few. Recently he has started performing again, participating in “side-by-side” orchestra performances and playing percussion in the World Doctors' Orchestra. His personal collection of music includes over 5,000 classical albums in all formats (CDs, LPs, 78s), plus downloads. In his professional life, he heads up a marketing communications firm in the state of Maryland. He blogs about the French composer Florent Schmitt here.