Brahms at the Bob Carr review

On Saturday evening, Jan. 16 the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra played a concert at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center under the baton of JoAnn Falletta, music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Brevard Music Center. Ms. Falletta is a competent leader who seems to exude minimal interpretive inspiration to her players. The OPO performed accordingly, and at evening’s end I was once again grateful that we possess this fine orchestra in our neighborhood.

“Escales” (Ports of Call) by Jacques Ibert started things off, and the composer’s jaunty music was exhilarating and set an energetic standard that was only rarely matched in the rest of the program. Conductor Falletta’s contribution was rhythmically sound, but somewhat lacking in drama and dynamic variety. The OPO is playing very well these days, and we can rejoice at this important fact.

Next, Michael Ludwig performed Alexander Glazunov’s Violin Concerto in A minor and provided, perhaps, the evening’s musical highlight. Mr. Ludwig is a violinist with beautiful warm sound and he has the fingers for all the intricacies of this difficult composition. He received a hearty standing ovation when he took his bows.

Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 was the fare after intermission and this great music was played well enough to hold interest, but perhaps lacked all the élan this work demands. Brahms is a tough nut to crack and is a challenge for even the best of conductors.

An earlier edition of this review incorrectly identified JoAnn Falletta and Michael Ludwig's titles.