SFS: Free Noontime Concert

The gorgeous weather today made it seem foolish to miss the San Francisco Symphony's annual free concert at Justin Herman Plaza today. This is a good sign for outdoor events going on in the City this weekend. Since the sun was really shining down on the plaza, I sat in a shady spot off to the side & ate my lunch during the music. The event was introduced by KDFC's Rick Malone, though Maestro MTT announced each piece. The Symphony is back from its European tour, & MTT proudly crowed, "We knocked their socks off!"

The orchestra sounded surprisingly fresh. Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture was played with real bite. The opening movement of Beethoven's 5th was measured & emphatic but not ponderous. The Ferry Building clock struck the half hour right before the orchestra launched into the Overture to The Flying Dutchman, which was played with urgency. MTT then sandwiched in a frolicking ballet piece from Delibes. Its brass fanfares were quite clean. The orchestra was light on its feet for the final movement of Tchaikovsky's 4th, which ended the concert.

I'm beginning to wonder how they put up that huge covered stage for these outdoor concerts. I've seen it at least 3 times now this year.

San Francisco Symphony
Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor

Berlioz
Roman Carnival Overture

Beethoven
Allegro con brio from Symphony No. 5

Wagner
Overture to The Flying Dutchman

Delibes
Cortège de Bacchus from Sylvia Suite

Tchaikovsky
Finale: Allegro con fuoco from Symphony No. 4

Fri, Sep 24, 2010 12:00pm
Justin Herman Plaza