The capacity crowd gathered in Spaulding Auditorium on Saturday was treated to a superb concert by the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra. The program consisted of two symphonies by Mozart and Berlioz.
First on the program was Mozart's Symphony No. 29, which a reduced ensemble performed exceptionally. This work was intended for a smaller chamber ensemble, rather than a full-fledged symphonic group, which the DSO used in their performance of the pieces by Berlioz.
Tony Princiotti conducted with expression, with no musical score or baton to impede his interpretation.
Princiotti's training as a string player was evident in the excellent performance of the violins. Their intonation and togetherness was practically without fault. The violin runs in the finale were sparkling.
The work was punctuated by perfectly coordinated time changes and good dynamic contrast.
The reduced group, in their chamber organization, would have been even more impressive in a smaller setting.
At intermission the presentation of the Senior Symphonic award was made by Lewis Crickard, the director of the Hopkins Center.
The award this year was given to Carol Lee '97 and Judy Yi '97. Both women have played in the DSO for four years. Lee has been the orchestra's assistant manager for the past three years and Yi has been the manager for over three years. The award is given for outstanding commitment and service to the orchestra.
The larger ensemble did a fine job with the "Symphonie Fantastique" by Berlioz. Princiotti conducted with passion and drama; it often seemed that he was playing the role of the tortured artist whose dream the work describes. His bow-tie was a casualty of his fury on the podium, falling from his neck halfway through the piece.
The presentation was effective in conveying the emotions and events Berlioz tried to communicate.
Additional musicians in the percussion, bass and harp sections added significantly to the 'big symphony' feel of the work, and were necessary for many of the effects Berlioz intended.
The english horn and oboe solos of the second movement were played beautifully by Natalie Berger '98 and Andrea Hill '97. Contrary to popular belief, Hill was not stricken with an ailment or broken instrument halfway through the second movement --she was moving offstage for her oboe solo in the third movement.
The fifth movement was appropriately chilling and was a dramatic finale for the evening.
A few subtle time and meter change problems were the most apparent flaws in an otherwise compelling performance.
The audience was very enthusiastic about the work, calling Princiotti back for two curtain calls, with a standing ovation.
