by Matthew M. Robb

Special to The Gazette

October 28, 1999

The power and passion of Saint-Saens, Mendelssohn and Bernstein filled the air and enchanted an appreciative audience as conductor Elisa Koehler declared the triumphant return of the Frederick Symphony (TFO) and the debut of its 1999-2000 concert season last Saturday evening.

Engaging, exciting, promising, Saturday's performance continues TFO's string of successes after having been administered last rites scarcely two years ago. Drawing the inevitable comparison to the mythic bird gloriously resurrected from death, TFO moved with assurance to demonstrate that the real feats of this third season will involve fine musicianship, not mere survival.

The performance, "Romantic Landscapes," featured selections from Leonard Bernstein's spirited "Candide;" Camille Saint-Saens' challenging "Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor;" and Felix Mendelssohn's alternately brooding and energetic third symphony.

Guest soloist, Denise Setny Nathanson -- principal cellist of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Hood College instructor -- presented the near-capacity audience with an early seasonal treat, musicianship of the highest order.

Tackling Saint-Saens' technically demanding work with sensitivity yet controlled ferocity, she delivered a spellbinding performance of considerable virtuosity. Particularly noteworthy were the nimbleness of her finger work in the mid- to high registers, and the gorgeous radiance of the low. Judging from her recent appearance at New York's Lincoln Center, her future looks bright.

At a pre-concert discussion, Koehler lent color and context to the evening's selections. Themes ranged from Voltaire as social-gadfly-turned-Bastille resident as eventual inspiration for Bernstein's playfully biting "Candide," to a ruined chapel of Mary Queen of Scots as epiphany for Mendelssohn's sweeping Third, also known as "The Scottish Symphony."

Depicting Saint-Saens and Mendelssohn as childhood prodigies whose precocity rivaled Mozart's, she noted that the latter "had produced 12 string symphonies by the age of 12." Such precocity was needed, as the German titan would be dead at 37. As for the French boy genius, he would gain renown as the world's greatest organist before reaching 20, and never look back.

Though numbering fewer than 60 members, TFO produces a rich, full-bodied orchestral sound of genuine accomplishment. This year's concerts number four, the next scheduled for Dec. 18. Titled, "Sounds of the Season," it features trumpet soloist James Sherry, along with popular works by Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Bach and several contemporary pieces that promise great holiday fun for the family.

Live orchestral performances in Frederick County? Local talent? Yes, indeed. At a time when the performing arts are struggling to survive, it's reassuring to know that, once again, the hills are alive with the sound of classical music.

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