New Works Premiered by Prometheus Trio and MSO
February 20, 2018
The two-movement concerto by the 50-year-old Jalbert was co-commissioned by MSO, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. The music is sophisticated and episodic, constantly exploring delicately layered textures. Mysterious, shimmering sounds were intricately orchestrated. Jalbert writes in a way that flatters the solo violin, with unusual tremolos and trills, building in a pleasing natural balance between soloist and orchestra.
Andreas Delfs ably lead the concert, with Frank Almond as concerto soloist. This piece brought out new dimensions in Almond’s playing, with beguiling colors I can’t say I’ve ever heard from him. That’s exactly what one wants in a new piece. The frenetic second movement spilled into a furious cadenza, brilliantly rendered.