By John Norine Jr. | Theater Jones
In their most recent presentation, the Dallas Chamber Symphony eschewed the safety net and went for the jugular with an extremely ambitious program, featuring works by John Adams, Michael Torke, as well as an original film score presentation by composer Brian Satterwhite, all under the baton of conductor and music director Richard McKay.
In his program notes, Adams talks about how the piece is a fusion of both Schönberg’s Chamber Symphony, Op. 9 and cartoon music from the 1950s. Further, he acknowledges the fact that the piece is extremely difficult to play, describing many of the musical passages as “unreasonably difficult”. All of this makes the performance given by the ensemble that much more exemplary. Everything from the first note was locked in rhythmic precision, and difficult passages were clear, focused, and musical; the musicality was particularly appreciated, as it is common to hear performances (and recordings) of this work that are simple recitations—some ensembles manage to get through the work but don’t say anything. The performance given was musical, and kept the piece interesting without tiring the audience’s aural palate.
As this is the inaugural season for the Chamber Symphony, it is understood – to a degree. The ensemble is extremely adroit in their presentation as well as programming, and it won’t be too long before they challenge other well-established ensembles for premier status in the area.