Symphony responds to COVID-19 grief with ‘Requiem’
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra built a gorgeous program of reflection and comfort for this weekend, calling “Requiem & Song,” expressing the weariness and grief so many people are experiencing in what are hopefully the waning days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MSO music director Ken-David Masur led the orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and guest soloists mezzosoprano Kelley O’Connor and baritone John Brancy in a program of stirring expressive music of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The program’s first half was built of three thoroughly engrossing works that the MSO had not programed before, beginning with a compelling performance of Toro Takemitsu’s emotionally evocative, single-movement Requiem for Strings.
The centerpiece of the program’s first half was Joseph Canteloube’s lovely “Chants d’Auvergne (Songs of the Auvergne),” featuring both O’Connor and Brancy.
The two vocalists brought character and just enough interaction to the piece to make it a thoroughly engaging performance, including the moment Brancy stormed off the stage in a huff after his character’s advances toward O’Connor were rebuffed, only to appear in the chorus gallery for the last movement of the piece, using an end of the gallery as sort of a Juliet balcony.
Misato Mochizuki’s meditative “Musubi II” ended the program’s first half, complete with some haunting, rather unusual sounds such as passages for bowed vibraphones.
The program’s second half was filled by a moving, articulate performance of Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem by the orchestra, chorus and two soloists.
Duruflé’s composition is a lyrical, beautifully orchestrated masterpiece. It moves from exquisitely expressive solo instrumental lines and introspective choral passages to long crescendos in which instrumental and vocal timbres are added in layers as the dynamic increases, to create sweeping musical effects.
In the chorus-friendly acoustic of the new Allen-Bradley Hall, listeners heard musical nuances and the smallest of chorus dynamics, which blossomed into big, full-voiced sounds. Prepared by chorus director Cheryl Frazes Hill, the ensemble created a large range of timbres and textures, from shimmering, light, soprano lines to warm, cohesive sounds from the chorus men.
Masur and the orchestra gave an artfully balanced performance of the Duruflé, filled with stirring playing from individual section and combined instruments, some lovely solo lines, including those offered by principal cellist Susan Babini.
Brancy offered focused, beautifully crafted solo baritone lines, while O’Connor delivered a tender, tug-at-the-heartstrings rendition of the Pie Jesu movement.
As the piece ended, Masur and the performers stayed perfectly still, a cue the audience followed, applauding only after Masur moved and breaking the spell the piece had cast.
The MSO repeats this program at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. For ticket information visit www.mso.org, or call 414-291-7605.