The IPO's tribute to Israeli music in its subscription concert Nr. 6 was dutifully paid in a first IPO Performance of "Steps in Wonderland" by Ron Yedidya (b. 1960).
By URY EPPSTEINIPO
Violin, David Garrett
Conductor, George Pehlivanian
Jerusalem ICC
May 3
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's tribute to Israeli music in its subscription concert Nr. 6 was dutifully paid in a first IPO Performance of "Steps in Wonderland" by Ron Yedidya (b. 1960). The program notes introduce Yedidya as a former child prodigy pianist who eventually switched over to composing for unspecified reasons at the ripe old age of 15.
Recognizable in this piece was a considerable talent for colourful orchestration. Obstinate repetition of a melodic theme on the basis of an equally repetitive percussion pattern provided the listener with a mildly amusing local variant of "Bolero."
The soloist in Mozart's Violin Concerto Nr. 5 was German-born David Garrett, 23, a student of Itzhak Perlman, substituting for the suddenly indisposed Julian Rachlin. He displayed a pure, appealing, clear sound and well-polished technique. However, his playing was nonchalant and indifferent, not doing justice to the emotional profundity of Mozart's work, especially the Rondo's sombre chromaticism.
The concert's highlight was conductor George Pehlivanian's masterful rendition of Shostakovich's Symphony Nr. 8. A gradual building of almost unbearable tension led to a shattering climax, followed finally by a breathtaking and despairing calm. Superb shaping of phrases, impressive contrasts of powerful brass and delicate woodwinds made this performance a rare musical experience.RECOMMENDED STORIESFour killed, over 130 wounded in Israel from Iranian fire, Tehran burns from IDF strikesJUNE 14, 2025IDF says aircraft operating in heart of Tehran, denies claim Iran shot down fighter jetJUNE 14, 2025Tehran under fire: IDF continues strikes in Iran, focusing on the capital – what was hit?JUNE 14, 2025The road to Tehran has been paved: IDF secures air route for stronger strikes on IranJUNE 14, 2025