A concern marking Natan Rakhlin’s 100 th anniversary recently took place at the National Philharmonic Society of Ukraine.
The great maestro was artistic and temperamental. He was a musician who could play practically any instrument. He was familiar with all symphonic repertoires and always promoted works by contemporary Ukrainian composers. The concert commemorating Rakhlin was marked by a warm atmosphere intensified by the presence in the audience of the maestro’s daughter Eleanor Rakhlin and art critic Gregory Kantor, who has devoted the body of his work to the great conductor’s creativity. Kantor’s opening address seemed to resurrect Rakhlin’s reputation as an outstanding personality and unparalleled master.
Taking part in the concert organized with the assistance of the Rakhlin Memorial Foundation were the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, led by the US-based conductor Arkady Leytush, and the celebrated Ukrainian violinist Oleh Krysa, who has lived and worked in the United States for many years. The program included the Rakhlin’s favorite compositions: Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, considered one of Rakhlin’s greatest achievements, and Gliere’s Konzerstuck for violin and orchestra, featuring Krysa. Gliere occupied a prominent place in the maestro’s repertoire.
The concert began with Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C minor as transcribed for Leytush’s orchestra. Then the audience was treated to a world premiere of Hampson Sisler’s symphonic poem Tsunami written especially for the National Symphony Orchestra. Sisler’s music has a fresh sound and features original audio effects. The composer has an affinity for the young American music tradition, and his music is spectacular and democratic.
The audience gave an ovation to Sisler, who appeared on stage after the performance of Tsunami. Before Gliere’s death Konzerstuck existed only in the form of sketches, and after the composer’s death it was completed by his pupil Borys Liatoshynsky. Krysa’s heartfelt performance was emphasized by the soft, natural voice of his violin and complemented by his effortless technique. The magically balanced interpretive harmony of his concerts always attracts large audiences. The aphorism, “Playing the violin is so easy!” was coined by Krysa, a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, where he was a pupil of David Oistrakh. Krysa, who has won the most prestigious international competitions, long ago made a name for himself as a solo performer, member of a performing ensemble, and teacher. In each of these capacities he demonstrates his inherent subtlety, refined taste, and elegance. Today Krysa is a professor at the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY), one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. He combines teaching with concerts and takes part in a variety of music festivals. He has toured all over the world. Krysa visits Ukraine every year and does a lot of recordings.
After the intermission Julian Rappoport, the president of the Rakhlin Memorial Foundation, gave a short speech during which he announced some upcoming festivities commemorating Rakhlin’s jubilee and the itinerary of a concert tour with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine.
During the second part of the concert, in addition to Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, Rachmaninoff’s Glory was performed as transcribed for Leytush’s orchestra.
