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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

'Mostly Mozart' was mostly good

By Dale Burrows
For The Enterprise

They knew whereof they spoke when they titled the program "Mostly Mozart." Mozart's music was all there. As for the excitement Mozart's music can generate? Not entirely.

Without a doubt, featured guest artist, Janelle R.A. Barrera, stood out head and shoulders above all else when Everett Symphony delivered "Classical II: Mostly Mozart" at Everett Theatre last weekend.

Here was a lady with a flute addressing an immortal's concerto for flute, Mozart's "Flute Concerto No. 1 in G Major, K313."

Barrera's job?

To interpret the passion the melody maestro got into the composition at a time when he was deep into a love affair.

Did she?

You bet.

Robed like a Greek goddess and looking like one, this lady with a reedless wind instrument, relying on little else but her own breath control, swooned, soared, teased and pleased. Whatever went on between Mozart and his lady love, Barrera more than hinted at. Who has ever known romance, could possibly not have been reminded? Not I, say I.

As for our own ESO, there were moments.

Something of the charm and posturing of noblemen serenading the objects of their affection got worked into the "Grand Partita." As did something of the true rhapsodizing of our man Mozart. Let's face it, the guy couldn't put notes on paper without creating life.

Also, lessons the mighty M. learned from Haydn surfaced in the ambitious "Symphony No. 29 in A Major, K. 201." As did the vigorous, lyrical improvisations M. embellished those lessons with.

Also, wielder-of-the-baton, Dr. Cobbs, did a pleasant acknowledgment of octogenarian, Jan Simpson, for her own personal contribution to ESO for more than 50 years. Can you imagine?

However, I have heard ESO play with greater gusto, and Dr. Cobbs could have introduced featured guest flautist, Barrera. Off moments, we all have them and encourage one another to move on. As do I, our own ESO.



Reactions? Comments? E-mail Dale Burrows at entopinion@heraldnet.com or grayghost7@comcast.net.



ESO will perform "An Evening Promenade" at Everett Civic Auditorium, March 13. For tickets, 1-800-595-4849 or info@everettsymphony.org.