SALT LAKE SYMPHONY, James Michael Caswell conducting, at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center on Nov. 9; additional performance Nov. 10, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
As one of the truly great composers of the latter half of the 18th century, Joseph Haydn helped define the music of his era. He also served as inspiration for many other composers as well, even those from the 20th century.
Music director James Michael Caswell and the Salt Lake Symphony had the genial idea of putting together a program devoted to music by Haydn, along with two works musically indebted to the Austrian master.
Caswell opened the Salt Lake Symphony's concert Friday with Haydn's Symphony No. 92 in G major ("Oxford"). Caswell and the orchestra gave a first-rate performance of this delightful symphony, capturing the good-natured character of the work perfectly.
The opening allegro spirituoso was performed with a clear and crisp sound. The tempos could have been a bit faster, but Caswell's interpretation, nevertheless, conveyed a sense of adventurous spirit.
The adagio started out a little muddled; however, the performance improved during the course of the movement, and it ended with delicately played chords.
The minuet was robust, which Caswell contrasted nicely with the more fluid and lyrical trio section.
The presto finale was light and airy and played with an infectious enthusiasm that carried the music to its joyful conclusion.
Norman Dello Joio's "Homage to Haydn" followed next. Dello Joio's music isn't performed all that often today, so it was a pleasure hearing his "Homage" at Friday's concert. Written in 1969, the work is unashamedly tonal and has some of Dello Joio's best orchestral writing.
The three-movement "Homage" is based on a theme from one of Haydn's string quartets, which Dello Joio cleverly adapts and transforms throughout each of these movements.
After a slow introduction, the first movement treats the theme as a lively scherzo. The Salt Lake Symphony played it with a rhythmic vitality that charged the music with excitement and energy.
The slow middle movement is filled with dramatic tension, and Caswell's interpretation was nuanced and well structured. The finale was played with a fervor and passion that made the music spring to life. It was invigorating, dynamic and strikingly effective.
After intermission, Caswell and the orchestra gave a fine performance of Brahms' "Variations on a Theme by Haydn." Even though there were a few problems with intonation in the violins and some uneven entrances in the woodwinds and brass, it was still played with a solid grasp of the music. Caswell's choice of tempos were good, although a little on the slow side, but he kept the music from dragging.
E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com