By Sheila Abrams
The performance last Sunday of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony by the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey was a most fitting triumph, you might say, of the little guy. Not that there’s anything little about the talents involved. It was just a pleasure to hear this ensemble, not world-renowned, composed mainly of local musicians, show that they have what it takes to perform the world’s most glorious music and to do it well.
Among other things BONJ has going for it is Dr. Robert Butts directing their efforts. In Butts, passion for the music seems always to be matched with deep and subtle insights into the composer’s intentions and the musicians’ capabilities.
At the performance, which took place at Dolan Hall on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth in Madison, the orchestra was joined for the fourth movement by the Sussex County Oratorio Society under the direction of Al Kopacka. The four soloists were Karole Lewis, soprano, Hanne Ladefoged-Dollase, alto, Kevin Peters, tenor, and Don Sheasley, baritone.n
The Ninth is doubtless the most widely loved work in the symphonic repertoire. Annually, it wins the WQXR New Year’s Eve popularity poll hands down. The choral movement, the “Ode to Joy,” is the official anthem of the European Union. Thus, one might think that conducting it is a daunting undertaking.
Apparently not for the irrepressible Maestro Butts. He faced the challenge with his usual energy.
In program notes, Butts commented that in one significant way, the performance by BONJ offered something special: “Our string section is about half that of major orchestras, thereby making the balance between sections much more like what Beethoven envisioned in the early 19th century.”
The chorus, consisting of about 50 voices, sang Beethoven’s immortal “song” gorgeously, with flawless timing and beautiful harmonies. The four soloists, all of whom are familiar to BONJ audiences, having sung leading roles in the orchestra’s concert versions of operas, were pure and powerful. We hope to hear them again soon.
The reason this symphony is so widely loved seems evident: it is an anthem promoting peace and brotherhood. It could not be more timely. A superb job!
