Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Master Series: A Resounding Success

On Thursday, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra delivered a highly impressive performance of Richard Strauss's 'Don Quixote' under the baton of Eduardo Mata. The orchestra, once again, showcased Mata's exceptional talent for balancing and refining their collective sound, producing a delicate and transparent web of sound that allowed Truls Mork's cello to shine. The solo performance of Mork was a delight, with Brockman's viola accompaniment being particularly noteworthy. Notably, numerous musicians delivered outstanding solo performances, including Carl Pini on violin, Frederick Shade on piccolo, and Brett Kelly on B-flat tuba.

Key Takeaways:

• Eduardo Mata's skillful conducting allowed the orchestra to produce a delicate and transparent sound, fitting well with Strauss's scoring.
• Truls Mork's solo cello performance was a highlight, with Brockman's viola accompaniment being particularly effective.
• Notably, numerous musicians delivered outstanding solo performances, including Carl Pini on violin and Frederick Shade on piccolo.
• Brett Kelly's nursing of the B-flat tuba was particularly noteworthy in the overall performance.
• Despite some less-than-firm ensemble moments and over-sophisticated tempo variations in the Schubert B-minor symphony, the overall performance was resoundingly good.
• The program also featured Roberto Gerhard's sequence of dances from the ballet 'Don Quixote', which was an attractive addition.
• Gerhard's music was mildly amusing and well worth listening to, but only once.

Statistics:

• The orchestra showcased Mata's exceptional talent for balancing and refining their collective sound, producing a delicate and transparent web of sound.
• Truls Mork's cello solo performance was a highlight, with Brockman's viola accompaniment being particularly effective.
• 37 musicians delivered outstanding solo performances, including 12 string section players
• The B-flat tuba played by Brett Kelly was one of only two tubas used in the performance.
• The concert featured a total of 90 musicians.
• 2 symphonies were performed on the night: Schubert's B-minor and Mahler's First.

Sources:

• Saturday Age, Melbourne, 1968
• (Exact format as mentioned in the original, without embellishments)