Lasting Impressions by T. Stephen Wager
Cooperstown Orchestra To Celebrate Its Fifth Anniversary
It is always gratifying to hear that any artistic ensemble goes beyond its accustomed excellence to produce a concert that far and away exceeds anything previously heard. Such is the case of Fenimore Chamber Orchestra at the close of its fourth season!
Thomas Wolf, chair of the FCO Board of Directors, ruminated that the orchestra was founded during the pandemic and was a dream for the future. Well, the future never really arrives, but Fenimore Chamber Orchestra has gone beyond the dream state to become an orchestra with which to reckon and has woven itself into the fabric of Cooperstown cultural life as well as that of the surrounding areas.
From the first notes of the Prelúdio to Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4 by Villa-Lobos, one knew everyone was in for something different. Originally written for piano solo, the brooding “sober lyrical melody” began quietly, as it rarely is, and grew to proportions that made the ensemble sound twice as large before returning to a well-calculated and quiet ending. Short as the piece is, it is a tour-de-force for an orchestra and shows what great direction can accomplish.
Stephen Lias’ “Concerto for Chamber Orchestra” was the most anticipated piece of the afternoon; a world premiere of a work commissioned by Fenimore Chamber Orchestra. Stephen Lias, a Texas-based “adventurer composer,” has had his works performed world-wide and is inspired by the wilderness. He serves as Composer in Residence at numerous national parks.
“Concerto for Chamber Orchestra” does not have a programmatic theme as such, although thematic metaphors provide kind of a map for the listener. The work itself is an ingenious evocation for the musical cues offered in the program. The composer has provided a work that does not condescend to his audience. Rather, he creates a gorgeous sound world that flows with inspired melody one thought to be lost in the current mêlée of mediocre composition. We look forward to hearing the piece again.
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor ended the concert. Mozart composed something for a truly virtuoso orchestra; not easily played and not easily to be heard, either. Apparently, many new faces which peppered the orchestra, that one hopes will return, had much to do with the elegance and imperious performance. From the opening Molto allegro of the first movement to the, again, virtuoso Allegro assai (and it was definitely assai) of the final movement, this orchestra played like the noble ensemble it has become.
This writer must say again that Maestro Maciej Żółtowski, FCO artistic director, applies his wizard-like ability to create a sound world that is absolutely beguiling and authoritative in any style. Under his aegis, this orchestra has become truly first rate in the entire upstate region of New York. Considering the prolonged ovation at the end, the audience agreed! So, we look forward to the stunning fifth anniversary season of this beautiful orchestra.
T. Stephen Wager is a regular contributor to “The Freemans’ Journal” and “Hometown Oneonta.”
