RSS 2.0 FeedApril 22, 2009, Classical
Guitarist, Doug Niedt with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra: Pure beauty
Once in a generation or so, an artist emerges whose command of technique is so grounded that all boundaries to musical expression are lifted and what ensues is a flawless interpretation of pure beauty.
Once in a generation or so, an artist emerges whose command of technique is so grounded that all boundaries to musical expression are lifted and what ensues is a flawless interpretation of pure beauty. Doug Niedt is one such artist in our time. Concert-goers at the Folly Theatre last Sunday afternoon were treated to his profoundly gorgeous interpretation of the Concierto de Arnjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo, with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. From the deeply resonant opening guitar strums to the final ending chords, the audience was held spellbound by Niedt's superb musicality and endless variation of tonal colors as he conjured the shadows of ancient Spanish gardens in nuance unimaginable.
The orchestra was audibly inspired by Niedt's musicianship, as well. The same string section that had just perfunctorily played through Mozart's Overture to Don Giovanni sprang alive for the concerto, delivering a marvelously tight staccato tutti in response to Niedt's opening solo statement.
English horn player, Anne Sneller figured prominently in the plaintive second movement that began enticingly with Niedt lingering subtly over its opening solo chord. Unfortunately, the orchestra was held back beyond good measure by Interim Music Director Christopher Kelts, which resulted in missed notes and intonation problems from the winds throughout the concerto. Kelts apparently did not understand the magnitude of Niedt's perfectly centered guitar tone that filled every molecule of the space with its beautiful ring, making one experience the guitar as if the artist was sitting in the next seat.
Undaunted, Niedt delivered a performance that was world class. I was particularly impressed with the echo effects he elicited in the second cadenza, sounding like two or three guitarists, and all with such ease that one would never guess it might be hard - just pure magic from the guitar and an easy smile now and then, from Niedt. I cannot thank the Kansas City Civic Orchestra enough for bringing him to us,and hope that the Kansas City Symphony will soon treat us to the talents of this international star who lives down the street.
The Kansas City Civic Orchestra is celebrating its 50th Anniversary season this year. Since Dvorak's New World Symphony was performed on its opening concert fifty years ago, it was chosen to be the concluding work on Sunday's program. It sounded like a different orchestra from the one I heard a year ago. Loud tutti free-for-alls smothered the melodic lines, ensemble playing was not together and the tempo in the Scherzo was working rehearsal speed. To be sure, excellent solo work was delivered by English horn player, Sneller, and also by Debbie Allen, clarinet, Mary Schmidt, flute, Richard Anderson, oboe, and Curtis Vellenga horn. The Civic Orchestra has rightfully earned a reputation over the years as being an exceptionally fine amateur group, led by very talented and ambitious directors in the past. I urge the organization to continue that legacy as it continues to contribute to the cultural excellence of Kansas City.
REVIEW
Kansas City Civic Orchestra
Christopher Kelts, Interim Music Director
with Doug Niedt, Guitar
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Folly Theatre
12th and Central, Downtown Kansas City, MO
www.KCCivic.org
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