Here is Music Director Larry Rachleff leading the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra during the opening concert.
Music critic Channing Gray of the Prov. Journal reviewed last night’s performance: "Conductor Larry Rachleff takes opening night at the Rhode Island Philharmonic seriously. After a tip of the hat to Verdi, who's turns 200 this year, Rachleff got down to business Saturday night with a sometimes somber, sometime joyous rendition of Brahms' fourth and final symphony. And it doesn't get much more serious than that. . . . " Here is the full review.
Sam and I agree with Channing Gray. The orchestra sounded particularly lush and unified. Rachleff conducted the Brahms' first movement at a leisurely pace, and that created the opportunity for tempo and mood contrasts during the third and fourth movements. As for the Prokofiev 2nd violin concerto, Sam did not enjoy the atonality and minor keys of the piece, but I did. Maybe Prokofiev used these dissonances as away to express difficulties, doubts and disagreements with the Stalinist regime he was trying to adjust to, after having lived in the West for many years? I also found Frautschi's perfomance noteworthy and confident. In the post-concert discussion Frautschi said her personal performance style might be too athletic and I agree, but maybe that is why she looks so fit and terrific.
I hope you'll post your own responses to the concert!