By John Toedtman
Enquirer contributor

Laredo

The audience at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's "Bach and Beyond" concert at the University of Cincinnati Tuesday evening was treated to music-making of the highest order.

Led by Jaime Laredo, the diminutive but elite ensemble of symphony musicians created an aura of embracing warmth in Corbett Auditorium. Laredo exudes a great love of the music being performed. It is easy to imagine him as a master chef in his kitchen, preparing with care an exquisite meal for the guests at his table.

Quartet opens program

The first work on the program, Mozart's Serenade, No. 6 in D Major, K 239, was performed by a quartet of two violins, a viola and a bass, within the larger orchestra. The first movement was a rousing march; the second movement, a vigorous yet orderly minuet, followed by an enthusiastic rondo designed to stir the blood.

The famous Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K 622 was composed by Mozart shortly before the composer's death. The piece contains many long, sublime melodies that soloist Richard Hawley was able to play with the seamless flowing tone so many clarinetists long for and few can achieve.

The second movement, an adagio, had a religious quality and reverence for life akin to Beethoven's most profound work.

The third movement, a rondo, was a burbling brook, a meandering conversation between the clarinet and the orchestra. What a tragedy that Mozart did not live longer to create more of such heavenly music.

Conductor and soloist

After intermission, Laredo served in dual roles as soloist and director in the Haydn Violin Concerto in C Major, Hob, VIIa:1. Composed between 1761 and 1765, while Haydn was employed by the Esterhazy family as a court musician, the piece contains elements of both the Baroque and Classical style.

In the first movement the soloist and orchestra seem to be in a dispute, with much active discourse going on.

The second movement has a lovely melody accompanied by a perfectly disciplined pizzicato. The third movement is a joyous, triumphant finale. Laredo's violin playing demonstrates a secure and fluid technique and a warm, cantible tone.

The program came to a close with Haydn's Symphony No. 68 in B-flat Major. The symphony is a pristine work that demonstrated again the mastery of these CSO musicians and their director.