The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest
Concert of February 10th, 2008
Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest with the Symphony Chorus.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
review by Ed Vincent
The performance on Sunday began with Piano concerto #17 in G, K. 453 by Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart. The pianist was Maestro David Schrader, his mastery, interpretation, and execution of all his efforts, was astounding.
Outside of the church was a frigid wintery day, few places to park, and a wind that could remove the hair of a wolf if he
were facing in the wrong direction, inside Mozart and Schrader, warm and inspiring. The allegro portion (first movement) seemed evocative of the dawning of Spring, quick notes raining
down on the piano from the agile fingers of Schrader danced
with ideas of showers and small blooms breaking through the
ground.
The second movement, played in Andante, seemed pensive,
restrained, reflective, and somber, at the same time like a large
spring being wound with tension for a coming event.
It was a beautiful performance and many of Oak Park's well
known residents were in attendance, but they were not all there-
though the church was full. I would encourage all lovers of music to invest several visits to these performances and even
a membership for the season. The sound is wonderful and the
organ is one of the best in area.
Jay Friedman with Maestro David Schrader Pianist.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos
After a brief intermission in the performance the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest with the Symphony Chorus sang and played Johannes Brahams' "Ein deutsches Requiem, Opus 45".
The Requiem was played in honor of the late Mr. A. Radford Barton, who had been a long time supporter of the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest. Mr. Barton was just about to turn 100 years old when he passed. He would have loved the dedication and performance in his honor and to all of his support and love of our local music. It was a powerful and
lengthly undertaking, but one filled with majesty, strength and
beauty. The entire performance will be remembered for a long
time and thanks goes to Mr. A. Radford Barton, his family and
friends.
The performance of both Mozart's selection and Brahms
was a total delight of music, art, and wonderful singing.
Mr. Jack
Zimmerman presents some historical and entertaining information on the
concert to be presented by the Oak Park & River Forest Symphony.
© Suburban
Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.