by Robert Rollin

The Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra presented its fifth concert program on March 27, 2013 in Severance Hall. It was a fine concert. Carl Topilow, director of the Institute’s orchestral program, conducted, and the event featured talented Taiwanese piano soloist I-Chieh Wang.

Notwithstanding the concerto focus, the highpoint of the evening was reached in Sergei Prokofiev’s magnificent Symphony No. 5 in B-flat, op. 100. The four-movement work was composed in summer, 1944, and came to being in the wake of a major Soviet victory over the Nazis. Though there is no specific program, the composer stated that he “wanted to sing the praises of the free and happy man — his strength, his generosity, and the purity of his soul.” It may best be characterized as displaying joy and enthusiasm for humanity and its future.

A full string complement, woodwinds by three, a large brass section underpinned by an active tuba part, and five percussionists filled up the Severance Hall stage. [Read more…]