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OperaNotes Concert Review
January 29, 2004
By Charlene Frank
New York Ethical Culture Society
EOS Orchestra with Arianna Zukerman
Franz Schubert: Unfinished/Refinished
Tonight was 16º, with the wind chill it was about 0º and my soles of my shoes froze because the roads were full of snow and slush and I didn't wear boots because, well because my boots are bright pink Timberlands and I wasn't sure if they were concert-wear. All this and the evening was still a treat. That's the great thing about living in New York City, it doesn't stop - neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night... There is always something wonderful happening, no matter what wonderful means to you, it is happening. And tonight the Franz Schubert concert on Central Park West was the wonderful thing.
Franz Schubert died young, but during his short life he was a prolific composer, leaving us many treasures. Symphony No. 8 ("Unfinished") is one of those treasures. I don't understand why he didn't finish it because he went on to write a 9th Symphony, but we are fortunate to have the gift of the 2 movements he did complete. I suppose that will have to remain an unsolved mystery of music. The EOS Orchestra left nothing unfinished in their beautiful rendition of this melodic work.
The highlight of the evening was the soprano Arianna Zukerman's extraordinary performance in pieces often reserved for baritones. She sang with an intensity that brought you with her through every emotion. When Zukerman finished Standchen, your heart was broken. Her voice was strong and full of color exactly where needed. During Der Erlkönig Zukerman took us through all 3 characters as though she were in a one woman play. She became them, and we believed it.
The orchestra was superb, David Taylor was inventive and exciting on the trombone. Jonathan Sheffer was an excellent conductor, and even better as an artistic director. Hats off to you Mr. Sheffer. And I can't wait to see Ms. Zukerman again. Wow.
Check "Upcoming Events" on this website for Arianna Zukerman's engagements.