The Cleveland Orchestra, under the baton of guest conductor Stéphane Denève, recently embarked on an enchanting exploration of French and American compositions from the vibrant Jazz Age. This program showcased a diverse selection of works that highlighted the orchestra's versatility and technical prowess. The evening featured pieces by Darius Milhaud, Francis Poulenc, Guillaume Connesson, and George Gershwin, each offering a unique perspective on the musical landscape of the early 20th century. The concert was divided into two halves, with each segment presenting a captivating blend of jazz influences and classical refinement. The highlight was undoubtedly the world premiere of Connesson’s saxophone concerto, which paid homage to jazz legend John Coltrane. The audience was left in awe, responding with standing ovations and calls for more.
A Symphony of Creation and Innovation
The first half of the concert opened with Milhaud's ballet score, "La création du monde," a work inspired by African folk mythology. The piece vividly depicted the birth of the universe through a series of evocative movements. The orchestra, led by Denève, masterfully balanced chaos and order, creating an atmosphere that was both mysterious and exhilarating. The saxophone solo, performed with exceptional skill, set the tone for the entire composition, leading listeners through a journey of birds, insects, and ultimately, the emergence of life itself. The ensemble's impeccable timing and dynamic range brought the creation story to life, making it a memorable opening act.
Milhaud's composition not only showcased the orchestra's technical abilities but also its capacity to convey complex narratives through music. The saxophone's haunting melodies, complemented by the trombone's slides and the chamber ensemble's precise execution, painted a vivid picture of a world coming into existence. Denève's conducting ensured that the piece remained cohesive, guiding the musicians through moments of tension and resolution without ever overwhelming the delicate balance between instruments. The result was a performance that felt both spontaneous and meticulously crafted, leaving the audience eager for what was to come next.
Homage to Jazz Legends and Urban Life
The second half of the concert shifted focus to more contemporary works, beginning with Connesson's saxophone concerto, "A Kind of Trane." This piece, dedicated to the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane, demanded virtuosic playing from both the soloist and the orchestra. Steven Banks, the featured soloist, delivered a breathtaking performance that captivated the audience from start to finish. His rich soprano sax sound in the first movement gave way to passionate alto sax lines in the second, before culminating in a dazzling display of technical mastery in the final movement. Denève's subtle yet effective conducting allowed the soloist to shine while maintaining the orchestra's cohesion.
Banks' performance was nothing short of extraordinary. In the first movement, his long, lyrical lines and crisp articulations created a sense of timelessness, while the second movement's intimate balladry showcased his emotional depth. The finale, "Coltrane on the Dance Floor," saw Banks unleashing a continuous stream of notes that sounded almost improvised, despite being precisely notated. The concerto's complexity and emotional range made it a fitting tribute to Coltrane's legacy. Following this electrifying performance, the audience erupted in applause, prompting Banks to return for an encore of Coltrane's "The Lord's Prayer." The concert concluded with Poulenc's Suite from "Les biches" and Gershwin's "An American in Paris," both performed with charm and precision, capturing the essence of the Jazz Age in all its glory.