An American in Paris – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Danny Elfman, best known for his scores to a wide range of films and, perhaps most recognizable of all, the theme tune to The Simpsons, has long been an admirer of Scottish virtuous percussionist Colin Currie, whom Steve Riech has described as ‘one of the greatest musicians in the world today’. This evening’s performance of the Percussion Concerto underlined why he is so deserving of such accolades. Percussionists are the goalkeepers of the orchestra world with many minutes of intense concentration while waiting to make an essential contribution to the overall performance. Here, however, the percussion section takes centre stage, with Currie playing an incredible range of instruments, ably supported by the Philharmonic’s percussionists. The cinematic quality of Elfman’s compositions was reflected in the drama and musicality, and the entire performance was greeted with both applause and cheers from the audience, with Elfman appearing on stage to take a bow. Tonight’s conductor, JoAnn Falleta, also conducted the orchestra in the recording of this piece in 2022, and there will be further chances to listen to Elfman’s music later this month with the Youth Orchestras and with an evening celebrating his music for Tim Burton films.

After the interval, the orchestra played Copland’s Four Dances from a Rodeo. Originally commissioned by the Ballet Ruse de Monte Carlo in 1942, the adapted suite begins with ‘Buckaroo Holiday’, conjuring up the sights, sounds, and thrills of an afternoon at the rodeo, with unpredictable harmonies and changes in rhythm. ‘Corral Nocturne’, which follows, summons up scenes familiar from Westerns – wide open spaces and distant horizons under a blue sky with sweeping, luscious melodies. ‘Saturday Night Waltz’ is definitely more Wild West than Vienna while the dancing continued with the exuberant, foot stomping ‘Hoe Down’.

Finally, Gershwin’s symphonic poem, An American in Paris will be familiar to anyone who has seen Gene Kelly dancing the ballet sequence in the film of the same name. Indeed, Gershwin himself called the piece ‘a rhapsodic ballet’. A remarkable fusion of classical and jazz traditions, the score calls for the addition of three saxophones and a celesta (the instrument now best known for the Harry Potter theme) and taxi horns, which in this performance are faithfully reproduced by the wind section. JoAnn Falleta and the orchestra did an excellent job of taking us on a musical journey of busy streets and gentle strolls that reflected Gershwin’s impressions of the city.

Danny Elfman Percussion Concerto

Aaron Copland Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo

George Gershwin An American in Paris

JoAnne Falletta conductor

Colin Currie percussion

Reviewer: Johanna Roberts

Reviewed: 14th November 2024

North West End UK Rating: