SpringfieldNewsSun.com

SPRINGFIELD — If you think an evening of Ludwig van Beethoven music is passé, think again.

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra kicked off their exciting 2007-08 season Saturday night with a program titled Bravo Beethoven. Roll over Ludwig — the SSO had something to prove.

The first half of the concert featured violinist Stephanie Chase playing the Concerto in D major. This alone was worth the price of admission as Kuss Auditorium was filled with sumptuously sweet sounds emitted from her 1742 Guarnerius violin (a very nice family heirloom).

Rich, full bodied solos wafted from her fingertips as she delivered a classically correct performance. Her playing never erred on the "virtuosity for virtuosity's" sake. Instead a stoic, mature interpretation was delivered through steady tempos (stylistically correct in the Classical Period) and expressive dynamic nuances.

And when it came time for the cadenzas (this is the part where a soloist gets to show off alone), Ms. Chase shined. She inserted her own introspective intuitive compositions (as was the practice during Mozart and Beethoven's time), and in doing so magically suspended time.

Peter Stafford Wilson once again proved himself the consummate collaborator as he guided the SSO through timing land mines and tricky entrances. The orchestra sounded particularly stately, crisp and clean: lively woodwinds and the rich sounding string section more than made up for an occasional dropped note by the horn.

Single composer programs are difficult to sustain ... especially when commencing with a riveting concerto soloist (the New York Philharmonic opened their season with an all Dvorak program featuring Yo-Yo Ma ... talk about a tough act to follow). The evening's program had all the same challenges, but Beethoven rose to the test.

What makes for a great Beethoven performance? Musical contrast ... and the SSO had plenty to offer. The Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major (nicknamed the "Eroica") in 1804 heroically kicked off 19th Century Romantic ideals ... and this concert's second half.

This evening's performance delivered plenty of drama: crescendos crashed suddenly into soft pianissimos. Choirs of instruments dovetailed seamlessly and carried the audience into the communicative

realm of Beethoven. Intimate moments of repose were well executed, especially when pizzicato (plucked) strings interacted with the woodwinds.

The climactic final movement created an aura of real chamber music and surprisingly including a string quartet interlude. Fugato entrances (fugue-like part writing that simulates a "round") were driving, clear and convincing.

While this performance was not note perfect, it was indeed spirited. Since taking over the podium, Maestro Wilson has worked wonders to raise the overall level and musicianship of our regional treasure.

If an all German program was not your cup of tea, fear not. Five more musical offerings will be served up monthly this year, featuring American, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Sacred works. Bravo SSO for bringing great music to a great community.