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Crescendo Ignace "Iggy" Jang |
Symphony celebrating
St. Patrick’sRising from the darkness of the pit, the Honolulu Symphony returns to center stage this week after its pilgrimage into the operatic world. The journey was fulfilling, and I'm especially thankful that nothing, and no one, fell into the pit during the last two months.
We're celebrating St. Patrick's Day with one of Ireland's most popular artists, Sir James Galway. This master of the flute has reached a status usually reserved for movie stars, appearing on programs such as "The Tonight Show, "Sesame Street" and "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee."
James Galway
Performs with wife Jeanne Galway and the Honolulu SymphonyIn concert: 8 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday
Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Admission: $16 to $59
Call: 792-2000
Galway's dazzling virtuosity has brought the flute to the forefront, catapulting it to stardom levels. I bet you could even catch TV commercials that promote his recordings, of which he has sold more than 30 million. This weekend, you get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear him live.
You'd think pianists or violinists would have the upper hand when it comes to popularity. Not so in this case. Thanks to unequaled talent, unparalleled variety and an irresistible persona, Galway has touched people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to adults, dabblers to aficionados. His interpretations of classical works have been regarded as the definitive treatments, and an unfailing taste pervades his renditions of pop hits.
We'll savor the extent of his gift this weekend, starting with the Mercadante Concerto for Flute. Mercadante, a little-known 19th-century Italian composer, was prolific at operas, having written more than 50. Bless his soul, not a single one can be remembered, but this Concerto for Flute stands as the only vestige of his legacy and is performed frequently worldwide. Galway's technical mastery will hypnotize us in this three-movement work filled with elegant and powerful music. Remember not to clap in between movements, for this could disrupt our soloist's concentration!
WHAT COULD BE better than one Galway? How about two? A brilliant artist in her own right, Lady Jeanne Galway will share the spotlight with her husband in Cimarosa's Concerto for Two Flutes. Like Mercadante, this 18th-century Italian composer wrote mostly operas. In this piece the two flutes engage in a dialogue of operatic proportions, sharing lyrical lines and dancelike tunes.
And, for those wishing to hear some of Galway's popular tunes, Sir James' unlimited musical range will answer your expectations. Though I can't officially name the songs, rest assured that you will be whistling a tune or two after the show.
To see both artists together on stage brings to mind one question: Do you ever wonder what it's like to be married to someone of your own kind? Musicians pairing up are as common as salt and pepper, but what happens when both play the violin, flute or piano? And what happens when both share the same workplace?
When I was young, I dreamt of finding another violinist so we could make music of all kinds in a unified voice. Then puberty hit, and all ideals went out the window. But seriously, there must be harmony and discord in any relationship. Shades of competitive spirit must be lying around. Is there tension at work? How do you relieve it at home when your spouse is also practicing next door? Behind closed doors, the Honolulu Symphony has been burgeoning with involuntary matchmaking, so it should come as no surprise that one couple was recently seen serenading on the same instrument. But I won't reveal their names in order to protect their privacy!
Don't worry; I'll stop putting my nose where it doesn't belong. Instead, let me share an anecdote regarding the evening's opening work, Mendelssohn's "Italian" Symphony, which was known on one occasion as "Go Back to Hell!"
Uttered at a rehearsal a few years ago, these words were not intended to hurt or amuse us the way they did. Our visiting guest conductor was an Italian maestro and not a master of the English language. Among other oddities, he developed the habit of adding the letter H before everything. So there we were, stopped in the middle of Mendelssohn's enchanting "Italian" Symphony, when instead of telling us "go back to L," we heard the infamous invitation. I could not help but laugh hysterically and got into trouble as my irreverent behavior offended the conductor.
No worries with maestro Wong's English. Our music director will lead us in this lively work named after the German composer's travels to Italy in 1830. Undoubtedly on par with Mozart's and Beethoven's most beloved works, the "Italian" captures the essence of the country's spirit, filled with sunshine and brilliance, and even employs two spirited dances: the tarantella and the saltarello.
I look forward to seeing all of you in the concert hall. The musicians have missed the rapport with the audience, and it's time to be inspired by your energy and applause once again!
Ignace "Iggy" Jang is the Honolulu Symphony's concertmaster. His column will appear on the Monday prior to each concert of the season to illuminate works to be performed. E-mail comments and questions to Jang at suggestions@honolulusymphony.com
