Symphony, young musicians dazzle with latest concert
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra successfully guided audience members young and old on a journey filled with intense passion, amazement and wonder during its concert Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5” on Saturday night.
The night began with a bang when the string section made quick handiwork of Dvorak’s “Carnival Overture.” Swinging from triumphant to playful to idyllic, the piece truly captured the roller coaster of emotions that come with a carnival. In contrast, softer moments were explored with poise and clarity by the piccolos.
“The Moldau” by Smetana was led by floating flutes, which hovered over a few notes before introducing a longing string section. The overall work did suggest a flowing river, traveling past castles, fields, forests and cities, as suggested by the composer.
The true show-stopper was Emma Kim, the 17 year-old winner of the Young Artists Competition, who dazzled the audience with “Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major, Op. 26” by Prokofiev. She placed her hands on the keyboard gently, performing the entire piece from memory, fingers flying from start to finish. Her hands looked nearly frantic, striking thousands of staccato notes with dexterity, never missing the mark. The climax of the piece was as Emma wove up and down the piano with her hands playing on top of one another. It was truly a sight to behold, and audiences thanked her with two minutes of applause and a standing ovation.
During intermission, students from Butler and surrounding school districts were recognized with certificates and applause for their outstanding work as Young Musicians of Note. Several small businesses such as Cummings Coffee & Candy, Playthings Etc. and May’s Music Shoppe contributed gift cards to some of the students in attendance.
Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5” asked listeners to keep the theme of fate in mind through it’s four movements. From its melancholic beginning, the first was cautious, almost contemplative, before the horns commanded full attention.
The second movement contrasted beautifully with an air of ease and longing, especially on the part of the cellos and French horn, the calls of which were answered by the consistently passionate clarinet.
The waltz of a third movement proved light to start, but immediately followed a wickedly fast bout from the violinist’s flying fingertips. They drove us right into the final portion of the evening — a fourth movement, grand and triumphant, eliciting a standing ovation and uproarious cheers from the crowd.
