Page 14 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - February '25

Page 14, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Rex Recommends

Palm Beach Symphony painters, Ravel rejected the traditional forms, saying, “The old The great symphonies of the world’s composers test the
concertos were written not for, but against the piano.” So he mettle of every orchestra.
Glorious Tchaikovsky, Ravishing Ravel opens his G Major concerto with the crack of a whip, a sound Last night, The Palm Beach Symphony’s performance
made by smashing two long boards together in the percussion, of Tchaikovsky’s 6th, the Pathetique, reminded us how
Review by Rex Hearn after which the pianist is integrated into the orchestra as one of great they can be. It was another refined performance
In their third concert them; literally with a part to play alongside. from the baton of Maestro Schwarz verging on complete
of the season on Jan. 13, In the slow movement the pianist plays solo for a third of perfection. I was given to thinking about what Sir John
Palm Beach Symphony the time, as if in a serious reverie. Thibaudet got the sad mood Barbirolli said of the Halle Orchestra he had to rebuild
once again proved that they across with drooped shoulders and restrained playing: the after World War II took so many male players. He praised
now rank with America’s “showman” again. Reverie music is picked up by the orchestra, each new player saying that they could stand alone as
top orchestras. A packed they and the soloist continue “in conversation” to great effect; soloists at the drop of a hat.
Kravis Center heard Jennifer Thibaudet enjoying every moment at the keyboard. So it was for this orchestra, the many solo parts that led
Higdon’s “blue cathedral,” The last movement echoes the start of the first, this time to fine expositions were all superb.
Ravel’s Piano Concerto in with a drum roll. And it’s off we go into a series of restless I would have wished for a stronger clarinet sound though.
G Major and Tchaikovsky’s figures interrupted by cheeky contributions from soloists in Maestro Schwarz had each section take a well-deserved
Sixth Symphony. Maestro the orchestra, including a solo tuba! This happy concerto, full bow. Alas, we must still work on the new audiences whose
Gerard Schwarz has built an orchestra worth hearing backed of youthful exuberance met with appreciative applause. It was halfhearted applause at the end let the players go far too soon.
by countless enthusiasts who raise money, led by hard a memorable performance. More Bravos would be a good start. …
working Chief Executive, David McClymont. Contributions
and grants as of May 31, 2023 totaled $2,859,057, and they
continue to grow year on year as does its audience through
television “specials” and many lively outreach programs. This
combination of financial success and creative improvement
assures the orchestra of 50 more years. They are now in their
51st season. “Blue cathedral” by American composer, Jennifer
Higdon, born 1962, opened the program. It was written in
response to the death of her younger brother, Andrew Blue
Higdon, age 33, from an aggressive form of skin cancer. Upscale Resale
Representing “journeys we make in our lives and the inner
travels to where our souls carry us,” Higdon’s music is ethereal Experience The Difference
from start to finish.
Halfway through there is a magnificent orchestral crescendo New and consigned furniture, unique lighting, accessories and gifts.
that dies away to a quiet ending of small Chinese bells, hardly Complete wallpaper and fabric library for all your design needs.
audible to the naked ear. It’s a lovely mysterious piece, well-
liked by the public with over 700 performances so far. This idea
of replacing a familiar “overture” with a contemporary work at
the beginning of a concert gives needed exposure to composers
like Ms. Higdon. After all, every piece of music was once new. I
first heard pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet at a Tanglewood concert
in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts where the Boston
Symphony have had their summer home for 88 years now.
Back then the very young pianist had a “quirk”: he wore bright
red socks! If anything, his “touch” has gotten more mature.
When I first heard him, I considered him a great pianist and
something of a showman, and, why not, he is exceptional and Call us to sell. See us to buy.
still in demand. Whereas many of his contemporaries have Over 32,000 sq. ft. in 2 locations to serve you!
moved over to academia or the recording studio. Ravel wrote
his G Major piano concerto soon after completing his famous PALM BEACH GARDENS: New Location
Concerto for the Left Hand, commissioned by a pianist friend 7700 N Military Trail • 561.694.0964
who was maimed in World War I. Like the French Impressionist
Book Review WELLINGTON: Wellington Marketplace
13857 Wellington Trace • 561.798.5222
myconsignanddesign.com Nanci Smith, CEO
Dictionary Of Fine

Distinctions: Nuances, Niceties,

And Subtle Shades Of Meaning Susan Has Moved To A

By Nils A. Shapiro.
Nils began his career New Location!
as marketing director for a
major book publisher. He
has since edited the authors’ Androcles Hair Salon
manuscripts’ for more than
20 published books, written 4031 Hood Rd., Suite C-108
more than 200 book reviews, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
served as publisher of several
million-plus circulation
national magazines, created Susan
the official yearbooks for
teams in Major League Baseball, the National Football
League, National Basketball Association and National Swafford
Hockey League, and “retired” as president of a successful
telecommunications company.
I had intended for this book to take its place alongside the 561-312-0457
dictionary and Roget’s Thesaurus in my home office as a helpful
reference. Instead, I have been carrying it around to share with
friends as a source of not only important helpful information
but to spark a round of appreciative good humor with the turn 10%
of almost every one of its 200 pages.
I believe you will be tempted to do the same once you
get your hands on this handy-sized, 5-1/4” by 7-1/4” hard-
cover volume. OFF
My initial decision to purchase it is my need, as an editor
and writer, to always select the correct word when more than
one option may seem to be available … and the purpose of Tues.
The Dictionary of Fine Distinctions is to point out the more Products starting at 69
$
than 100 examples of two words that most people mistakenly New clients only
Book Review on page 15