“In his seven years as composer-in-residence with the New England Philharmonic, David Rakowski has written four symphonies and a violin concerto,” writes Aaron Keebaugh in Sunday’s (4/28) Boston Classical Review. In the orchestra’s world premiere on Saturday of his Symphony No. 7, “Rakowski’s music seemed a study in slow processes, soft colors, and stasis…. A collection of tone poems inspired by nature that together clock in at 30 minutes, Rakowski’s Seventh Symphony leaves a lasting impression for its varying orchestral hues and overall intimacy…. The symphony is a superb swan song for Rakowski as he steps down from his post at the end of the current season…. Saturday’s concert also featured the world premiere of Angela Elizabeth Slater’s Roil in Stillness, winner of the NEP’s annual call for scores. Like Rakowski, Slater drew upon the natural world for inspiration [conjuring] the effects of rippling water as seen through a microscope…. Yehudi Wyner’s Epilogue: in memory of Jacob Druckman brought contrasting stillness and uneasy peace. Only eight minutes in length, this emotionally charged score captures the composer’s sadness over the loss of a friend.” Also performed were Leoš Janáček’s Violin Concerto, with concertmaster Danielle Maddon as soloist, and Berlioz’s Overture to Béatrice et Bénédict.
Posted April 29, 2019
