I'd been using the term 'Tremolo', when perhaps I should have been using 'Trill'. I'm still not quite clear the exact difference and which term is best used. I was intrigued by its use all throughout Bruch's Scottish Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra. Noah Bendix-Balgley created amazing sounds with his recently acquired 1732 Bergonzi violin. Yet I find his technique, and indeed that used by many violinists somewhat excessive in the use of 'Trill' especially in the slower passages. It was used extensively throughout.
At first I didn't notice because it provided interest through the slight harmonic cross of tone and dissonance. But eventually I did begin to notice. I began to notice because I could actually see the technique being employed by the solist. That seeing translated into understanding and focus, and to realization that to me, it is used to excess to such an extent that it began to gnaw on my sensibilities. Perhaps it is the purpose of the composer to include so much of this trill. The final movement was the only place where the trill wasn't so frequently used, but I think that is because the score was strewn with so many notes played in rapid succession, that it would have been impossible to do so.
As a contrast Noah Bendix-Balgley played Bach's Gavotte from the E-major Partita. Here the trill was used, but only sprinkled in sparingly. It was only used at the end of a measure or set of measures. Throughout you could hear the pure tones of this beautiful instrument, performed so well by the soloist. This is the sound that I prefer.
Throughout both performances, Mr. Bendix-Balgley composure and posture added great measure to his actual performance.
After intermission came the Robert Schumann Symphony No. 4. Blunt and bold, it hits you with its melodic lines that repeat frequently, yet I don't mind the repetition because it is developed into abundant variations and flavors, and if you listen intently, there are subtleties that augment the power and rhythm, especially in my favorite movement, the scherzo.
Nikolaj Znaider does a great job conducting the PSO with seemingly little movement, he doesn't steal the limelight from the orchestra, yet he directs their flowing out-pour of lush sounds with zest and a great smile on his face throughout. And all this without a score to read, his knowledge of the measures, the bars and the movements of this symphony is superb. I remember when Mr. Znaider played solo violin a few years ago at Heinz Hall, and now conducting he is also at the top of his form.
I don't want to forget the Fingal's Cave, or Hebrides Overture by Mendelssohn which the PSO used to start off the evening. It was simply superb. I hope they play it again soon, its worth every moment and well worth a listen!
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