Orchestra performs with feeling

Guest conductor Darryl One conducted the entire concert from memory and generated a fantastic performance.
By ROBERT ROLLIN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Something amazing has happened to the Youngstown Symphony.
In the space of two weekends, the symphony has presented two exceptional musical evenings: the first, a pops concert conducted by the gifted Carl Topilow and featuring the talented string group, Time for Three, and this past Saturday night, showcasing the terrific guest conductor Darryl One and the elegant pianist Stewart Goodyear.
Maestro One conducted the entire concert from memory, and, more importantly, generated stunning performances through his clear gestures and fine interpretations. The orchestra never has been more focused.
The Mahler Symphony No. 1, the Titan, always challenges the listener. I have heard it performed many times, but never with such careful preparation and magical interpretation. Though Mahler was only 33 when he wrote the symphony, it is a mature work returning to material from his earlier "Songs of the Wayfarer."
The Introduction slowly builds over various instrumental pedals. Snatches of paired clarinet fanfares and off-stage trumpets poke their way through the sustained textures. Soon the cellos introduce the cheery dominating "Song of the Wayfarer" theme. The symphony cello section was excellent, and the rest joined in to build to a terrific ending dominated by fine brass tutti.
The ensuing andante allegretto is a lumbering rustic Scherzo, and Maestro One controlled surging dynamics beautifully. The cello section's dainty pianissimo was contrasted by the entire ensemble's powerful blaring force. Wonderful horn and oboe solos, and fine trumpet section playing enlivened the trio.
Sadness created
The third movement, a funeral march of forest animals after 17th century French artist, Jacques Callot's painting, uses an old minor-mode folk round to create a ponderous sadness. Bassist Jeffrey Bremer started things off with a fine solo matched by an exceptional oboe solo and fine bassoons and cellos. The second section's oboes and English horn grouping was especially lovely. Concertmaster Calvin Lewis' third section solo and a beautiful solo by principal flutist Kathleen Schott complemented wonderful section playing throughout.
The fiery fourth movement was more stridently powerful. Interesting muted trumpet sounds, brass section swells and piccolo shrieks were contrasted with the slower section. The return brought with it tam-tam blasts, rustic horns, high clarinets, harp punctuations and a final return to the "Wayfarer" theme, all exuberantly and carefully controlled by Maestro One.
The Mozart 23rd Piano Concerto, K. 488, is a terrific late work composed near the time of "Marriage of Figaro." The allegro has many beautiful themes. Stewart Goodyear's opening seemed a bit mannered but soon settled down to a finely shaped performance. The dark adagio was lovely and accompanied by fine clarinet and bassoon triplet arpeggios. The lively allegro assai included the delightful closing theme that reminds one of "Dixie." The entire Mozart was well-shaped and imaginative.