Guest conductor Martin Piecuch and the Vogtlandphilharmonie serve New Music from America in the Ratskeller
Rodewisch. - It was with pomp and circumstance that the Vogtlandphilharmonie Gras/Reichenbach opened its final concert in the series "Concerts in the Ratskeller" An exceptional concert, as could already be seen by the ample staffing of the orchestra which extended far into the concert hall. Grandness was also offered acoustically, best described as new music from America. The American flair was completed by the guest conductor Martin Piecuch, the musical director of the Washington Symphony Orchestra.
When the small but energetic musician stepped on the podium, one could already feel how much fire this man has. He had brought with him across the great pond music by well-known American composers, of which Leonard Bernstein would be best known to newcomers to the American music scene. His Westside Story went around the world. In the Ratskeller of Rodewisch his Symphonic Dances from "West Side Story" made the air swing. The audience found itself on a roller coaster of emotions. By way of dance the piece tells the story of two gangs fighting each other. This composition is a good example of Bernstein's musical versatility. Symphonic music and Jazz, Latin folklore and pop music are put together in a grand manner. The ensemble gave fascination to the secure leadership as Martin Piecuch let all instruments speak. Percussion and trumpets performed musical fireworks. Over all this poured the metal sound of the large cymbals. A defiant "Mambo" came from the throats of the Philharmonians. This symbolizes the rough reality of rivaling gangs. In the finale, with the help of a tenderly played flute Maria's love song I Have a Love emerges.
Other musical highlights from the New World were featured, for example Aaron Copland, who is considered a pioneer; his music provided the opening fanfare. This piece, solely composed for brass and percussion, is called Fanfare for the Common Man. Appalachian Spring, also by Aaron Copland, is lyrical ballet music with elements of folklore. Clarinets and oboes sent affectionate signals. Carried by the silvery light sound of the strings, percussion, trumpets, drums, triangle and brass all mingle into the folklore play. To balance this there was Adagio for Strings, opus 1, by Samuel Barber. A delicate piece. The 56 year old conductor with his white hair directed it with such brilliance that one could have heard a pin drop in the concert hall. The musicians were met with roaring applause and a standing ovation from a relatively small audience. The Maestro was spontaneously ready with two encores. An enthused audience and an inspired orchestra set the mood for The Stars and Stripes Forever.
Piecuch is not only guest conductor for numerous American orchestras, he has also directed more than 800 musical performances and he gives guest performances abroad. He praised the orchestra, noting that he found the collaboration with the Vogtlandphilharmonie most enjoyable.
Photo subtitle: An exceptional concert was performed by the Vogtlandphilharmonie under the American guest conductor Martin Piecuch. Guli

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