Strauss' Don Juan

I attended another wonderful concert at Abravanel Hall last night during which the Utah Symphony performed pieces composed in the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries (the latter was a world premiere).  Former Associate Conductor Conner Gray Covington was back on the podium leading the orchestra beginning with Symphony No. 88 by Franz Joseph Haydn (representing the 18th century).  I really loved all of the beautiful melodies throughout, especially a flute solo in the first movement and the use of trumpets and timpani in the second movement.  Next came Trombone Concerto "Sonorous" by Quinn Mason (representing the 21st century) and this was my favorite piece of the concert (it is always really exciting to be the first to hear new music).  It was composed in collaboration with former Utah Symphony Principal Trombonist Mark Davidson who requested a piece that allowed the trombone to sing and I believe that Mason succeeded in fulfilling that request because the sound of the trombone seemed to float above the orchestra. Mason was in attendance to introduce the piece featuring Davidson as soloist and it was absolutely amazing!  I particularly loved how the trombone interacted with the rest of the orchestra with calls and responses during the first movement and with the rest of the trombone section in unison during the second movement.  Davidson played brilliantly, most notably in the third movement when he played multiple notes incredibly fast (with a technique known as double-tonguing), and I really loved his tone (who knew the trombone could be so expressive?).  He and Mason received a well deserved standing ovation from the large crowd.  After the intermission the orchestra continued with Don Juan by Richard Strauss (representing the 19th century).  Strauss was inspired by a poem by Nikolaus Lenau in which the famous lothario languishes in solitude before his death.  I loved the spirited opening featuring the horns in unison and the romantic theme played by a solo violin.  The concert concluded with Symphony No. 1 by Samuel Barber (representing the 20th century) and I really enjoyed this piece because it is very passionate.  I especially loved the dramatic themes performed by the brass and timpani, the solo played by the oboe, and the repetition from the basses at the end.  This entire program is outstanding but I especially recommend getting a ticket for tonight's performance (go here) for the chance to hear the Trombone Concerto because it is remarkable!