Another succesful masterworks weekend is past - David Diamond Rounds for String Orchestra, Mozart Violin Concerto #5 and Mendelssohn Symphony #3. A few thoughts:

1) I tried using classical seating for the strings this time. I figured that with the slightly smaller string section and the classical/early romantic repertoire (Mozart and Mendelssohn), it would make a good experiment. I for one was very pleased. Particularly in the Mendelssohn Scottish, thre are so many instances where it's absolutely clear that he was writing for this configuration, with frequent stereophonic effects. I also found that the second violins played with more confidence. Interestingly, so did the violas, who are normally on my right. Maybe they needed the comfort of being between the firsts and the cellos. Whatever the reasons, I thought it worked, and I will not hesitate to use this seating when the occasion warrants in the future (probably the next time will be in April for Beethoven's 9th Symphony).

2) Augustin Hadelich, who played the 5th Mozart Violin Concerto, was nothing short of spectacular. One needed only watch the players in the orchestra, and the utter respect they were telegraphing, to know that we were listening to a master. And at the ripe old age of 23! He plays with such unassuming grace, while at the same time with such energy and abandon. It was simply perfect Mozart. I hope Augustin has the kind of brilliant career he deserves. Nice person too.....

3) What a lovely change of pace for the orchestra. We usually perform the big repertoire of the later 19th and 20th centuries - pieces that take you on emotional roller coaster rides. As stormy as the Mendelssohn Scottish Symphony is, it is serene, tuneful, delightful, and relatively light. Not that it is easy - in some ways, the music is even more difficult than the big romantic works because it is so transparent and there is no place to hide. But it is certainly comfort food for our audience's ears. I'm so glad I programmed it, and that we used a smaller ensemble.

4) David Diamond's Rounds for String Orchestra should be played more. It is an exuberant, interesting, and decidedly American piece of music.

5) The orchestra played wonderfully. I know I've said this many times, but what a lucky conductor I am to have such a talented, and nice, group of musicians to work with.

I have a lot on my plate now. Several new pieces for me on the next concert, and then a very quick turn around to Beethoven's 9th, and Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem (also a first for me). Add to that another ambitious Stuart & Friends concert (Stravinsky Suite Italienne, Mozart K. 526 Violin Sonata, and Brahms A Major Piano Quartet) in between and you have yourself a busy conductor/pianist.

Back to work!