The Press Democrat, March 17, 2003

The Santa Rosa Symphony under Music Director Jeffrey Kahane took a spring-like romp Saturday night through a series of vibrant works based on the variation theme. 

Like a climbing vine, each work sprouted elaborate tendrils around its themes, growing and evolving into colorful and inventive variations. 

Framed by Brahms' sturdy "Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn" and Hindemith's crisp "Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber," the program showcased the orchestra's top-notch wind, brass and percussion sections. 

But the intellectual pleasures derived from these works paled beside the deep well of emotion that flowed from Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, played before intermission with grace and warmth by Czech pianist Ivan Moravec. 

The tall, stately pianist brought a sense of calm and utter control to the jazzy concerto, which opens with a bang from the percussion section and sparkling arpeggios and glissandos from the piano. 

When Moravec plays, there are no extraneous movements or showy flourishes, no thunderous chords or unnecessary ritardandos. 

Instead, the understated pianist focuses on creating the most beautiful tone possible while maintaining a rock-solid, metronomical sense of rhythm. He brings out the personality of the piano, without adding his own. 

With Kahane acting as the glue, the orchestra lent confident support, especially during the ethereal second movement of the Ravel, when the woodwind section provided several solos. The interplay between the pianist and English horn soloist Laura Reynolds Chrisp was especially magical. 

The third movement, featuring more brass and woodwind solos, is a fleet and unrelenting romp for the pianist. Moravec ripped into the syncopated rhythms with effortless economy, carefully shaping each phrase. 

All in all, a perfect work executed perfectly, and worthy of the standing ovation it received. 

After intermission, Moravec got a chance to flex his small muscle groups some more with Franck's "Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra," written in 1885 as a quasi-piano concerto in three continuous movements. 

The violins sang with particular sweetness during the opening dialogue with the piano, while Moravec used the weight of his arms to produce a good, solid forte, without pounding or thumping. 

After the work ended, Moravec gave Kahane a bear hug and the audience granted the virtuoso artist another standing ovation. 

The symphony opened the concert with Brahms' familiar "Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn," a classical, comforting work. 

The symphony progressed workmanlike through the nine variations, passionately breathing life into the majestic finale. 

The energy stayed high during all four movements of Hindemith's "Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber," which sent the audience home energized by its vivid harmonies and exciting rhythms. 

Particularly noteworthy were solos by principal flutist Kathleen Lane-Reynolds in the second and third movements; and the precise timpani and percussion rhythms of the finale. 

The Santa Rosa Symphony will repeat the Saturday program at 8 tonight at the Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Tickets cost $24-25. Call 546-8742