Vivaldi?s “The Four Seasons” pairs up with the tango-infused “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” by contemporary Argentinean composer Astor Piazzolla to create a sizzling seasonal celebration.
“I was desperate to bring it here,” Jonathan Carney, concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, said with unmistakable excitement in his voice.
Never mind that 250 years, different hemispheres and disparate cultures separate the two works. Both share the same colorful, descriptive writing and virtuosic performance. And in the capable directing hands of violinist and concertmaster Carney, each “season” ? presented in alternating fashion ? will highlight the similarities and contrasts as fluidly as tide and beach, day into night.
“I?ve done this [presentation] with and without a conductor many times,” Carney continued, recalling that the last time the orchestra performed without a conductor, the audience really enjoyed it. “After the initial gasp of ?Oh, my God, there?s no conductor!? But it?s much easier ? one less cook in the kitchen, given the repertoire.”
Carney promises a lot of bow/baton waiving and a string section that will stand during performance ? all but the cellos, naturally.
“The unique arrangement of Vivaldi?s ?Four Seasons? with Piazzolla?s ?Four Seasons of Buenos Aires? is a fantastic vehicle to show off the tremendous talents of our orchestra,” BSO Vice President of Artistic Administration Jeremy Rothman said.
IF YOU GO
Vivaldi: “The Four Seasons”
Piazzolla: “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires”
» Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore
» Time: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday
» Tickets: $25 to $78; call 410-783-8000
