Saturday April 24th, 2010 | Host Joseph Lavalley saw Conductor Bramwell Tovey, and flutist Christie Reside's performance of some of classical music's masters in the series Bach & Beyond at the Chan Centre For The Performing Arts. 

Witnessing the performance by Bramwell Tovey as conductor throughout the scheduled listing of music by the classical masters, Bach, Stravinsky, Mozart and Haydn; was a spectacular display of synchronicity between players and the conductor. 

There were french horns, oboes, a trombone, some bassoons, and a flute for the woodwinds, one bass drum for percussion. In the string sections, on the left were violas and violins, to the right there were both large and medium cellos, and three bassists. Although each player was elegant and soft; there was an element of back and forth between the woodwinds and the strings. There was a beautiful call and response flow between the sections.

Throughout the Bach Overture (Orchestral Suite) No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067, the charming flutist Christie Reside who has played with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, l’Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec, and others made magic with her stellar performance starting with Part I. Overture and ending with VII. Badinerie. In her playing, VI. Minuet and in III. Sarabande Reside captured the essence of both pieces with an epic solo of which I will not forget any time soon.

During works by Stravinsky, it was the IV. Tarantella, the V. Tocatta and the VIII. Minuetto e Finale that drove the meaning behind the music home for me for the Pulcinella: Suite. With sound coming from a chorus of instruments, it was the french horns and the lead violinist who’s name was not mentioned in the program that demonstrated that listening to a CD of any of the music play that evening fell short of perfect for my ears.

Well now we come to the piece that was of extreme interest to the Freemasons that was written for the funerals of two friends (“brothers,”) according to the Allegro program guide (pg. 52) This was a unique piece and the only one that was written for this very specific purpose. The Masonic Funeral Music, K.477, played was very transcendental as it swept the listener away drifting from one thought to the next as each note was heard. 

Finally Haydn’s No. 73 in D Major, La chasse was a fast and furious example of orchestral without becoming disconcerting to the ear. Closing with a master of the symphony was a tribute to the great maestro who created over 72 symphonies before this was composed by Haydn. 

To conclude my experience, it was a soft, gentle ride on a boat of music with calm seas and sunshine throughout. Each instrument clearly heard from the seats L PART A121 and A120. I wish to thank the VSO – Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for having me participate as a listener and reviewer of that night’s performance. I would also like to thank the conductor and players who gave an outstanding lesson in music appreciation. Thanks also goes out to the CJSF A&E coordinator. I am most looking forward to the May concert with works by Beethoven. 

Cheers! 

By Joseph Brian Lavalley of CJSF 90.1 FM