Philharmonic pays tribute to former 30-year leader

Published: Thursday, December 10, 1998

Thursday, December 10, 1998

MUSIC: Orchestra plays with group, solo mastery

in honor of Fleischmann

By Brent Hopkins

Daily Bruin Staff

As the lights dimmed in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Tuesday, the crowd, attired in stately tuxedos and gowns, sat raptly, awaiting the first notes to fill the air. Conductor Zubin Mehta strode onstage to the sound of applause, took his place at the helm, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic launched into a vigorous rendition of Wagner's "Meistersinger Prelude." With its majestic introduction, carried by soaring strings and prominent horns, it made an excellent prologue to an evening of consummate professionalism.

The program, a tribute to former Managing Director Ernest Fleischmann, showcased both masterful group dynamics and skilled solo performances. As the guiding force behind the L.A. Philharmonic from 1968 until this year, Fleischmann is credited as building it into one of the world's foremost performance orchestras.

"He's the best in the business," said Donald Muggeridge, oboist with the Philharmonic since 1955. A former UCLA English student, Muggeridge also described Fleischmann as being an "organizational genius, responsible for making this a great orchestra."

After the stirring beginning, Mehta guided the orchestra into Shostakovich's "Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major." Featuring renowned cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, its original performer, the concerto was an extended voyage through intensity. The foreboding introduction gave way to a dynamic battle between Rostropovich's floating cello line and a measured, precise string section, setting the theme for the continuation of the piece.

Rostropovich was a picture of understated virtuosity, plucking every possible bit of emotion from his instrument. Whether offering subtle, brooding themes that portended future orchestral conflict, or scrambling, frantic fills above the solid backing, he was in top form. At times, his spirited playing came across as discordant with the background orchestration, which lent a jarring tension to the music. After completing the concerto, he was greeted with a thunderous ovation and numerous bravos.

The audience's warm reception of the master cellist did not go unnoticed. In response to their applause, he performed two solo encores, Bach's Sarabande and Bouree. As he made his way deliberately through the unaccompanied pieces, the rest of the orchestra looked on in admiration.

"He's really an icon," Gloria Lum, Philharmonic cellist and USC alumna who studied music for two years at UCLA said. "It's exciting to play with him again."

As deferential as the musicians were to Rostropovich, he was equally complimentary to them. During the lengthy applause following his performance, he saluted the orchestra numerous times, going so far as to invite horn player Jerry Folsom, whose mellow French Horn had added a rich, wide open contrast to his frenzied cello, to take a bow alongside him.

The second half of the concert featured five songs by Richard Strauss. Sung by German soprano Gundula Janowitz, the solemn, understated melodies provided a pleasing contrast to Shostakovich's jarring introduction. Janowitz, calm and composed, made up for what she lacked in physical expression with her powerful voice. Hovering delicately above the subdued strings, Janowitz added passion and personality to Strauss's offerings.

To finish the evening, the focus shifted from the individual to the group, with the full ensemble performing Tchaikovsky's "Francesca da Rimini." A multi-layered masterpiece, the musical exploration of Dante's tale of ill-fated lovers expressed the full power of the Philharmonic. Characterized by its thundering horns, cacophonous percussion, and melancholy woodwinds, the piece was an excellent ending to the evening.

Predictably, the ovation was deafening. It seemed to rise in volume with each bow taken by Mehta, who also invited Rostropovich and Janowitz to rejoin him onstage. The loudest cheers, however, were reserved for the guest of honor, Fleischmann. As he stepped alongside the musicians, the audience rose to their feet and saluted the former leader of the orchestra. He humbly acknowledged the praise, bowing simply before offering a brief comment.

"Rostropovich says I should say two words. I'll say four - I love you all."

With that and a brief wave, he departed from the stage. On a night such as this, with so much talent on display, this understated statement in the face of unabashed adoration was a fitting conclusion.BAHMAN FARAHDEL/Daily Bruin

Conductor Zubin Mehta leads L.A. Philharmonic on Tuesday to honor former Managing Director Ernest Fleischmann.

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