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Rosenberg, Moss team for an innovative evening
By Edward Reichel
Deseret News music critic
JOEL ROSENBERG, VIOLA, and JED MOSS, PIANO, Monday, Feb. 18, Cathedral Church of St. Mark; one performance.
One of the more innovative concerts of the Cultural Olympiad was held this week, thanks to violist Joel Rosenberg's enlightened programming choices.
Rosenberg was joined Monday evening by local pianist Jed Moss for a program of works ranging from J.S. Bach and Johann Nepomuk Hummel to the jazz-influenced music of Claude Bolling. The result was inspired music-making.
Before the concert began, Rosenberg told the audience in St. Mark's Cathedral that the concert was dedicated "to celebrate the life of Gladys Gladstone Rosenberg," who passed away last week.
Rosenberg and Moss opened the program with Hummel's "Fantasy on 'Il mio tesoro,'" a delightful piece based on Don Ottavio's aria from Mozart's "Don Giovanni." Rosenberg and Moss played it with fervor and spirit, giving the music a freshness that was appealing.
Next, Moss performed Bach's Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor. With this piece, Moss showed what an amazing pianist he is. His performance was eloquent, and with his sensitive and articulate playing, Moss captured the overall earnest mood of the work.
Before intermission, Rosenberg and Moss teamed with Evan Coombs on bass and Jay Lawrence on drums for three movements from Bolling's Suite for Viola and Jazz Piano Trio. Written originally for cello, the work lost none of its charm and allure in this transcription by Kelly Richardson. All four musicians were outstanding in the Bolling. They put excitement and enthusiasm into their playing, giving a performance that absolutely sparkled.
Of the three movements that were played, "Baroque in Rhythm" is a clever blend of baroque and jazz elements, while "Concertante," a beautifully lyrical and mellow piece, takes on a jazzy sheen in its flowing melody. The final movement, "Viola Fan," showcasing the viola, is light, breezy and upbeat.
The second half of the concert began with local composer William Wallace's Sonata for Viola and Piano. This one-movement work is intense and driven. The music is rhythmically charged, dramatic and potent. Rosenberg and Moss were exceptional here, putting passion and feeling into their meticulous playing, resulting in a performance that was riveting and powerful.
The two musicians closed the evening on a lighter note, with a captivating performance of Argentinian composer Jorge Mockert's bossa nova-tinged "Candombe de la Solapa."
E-MAIL: ereichel@desnews.com
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February 20, 2002
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