Vanessa Briceno Scherzer
The string trio Time for Three has long enjoyed blending styles with its members' classical background.
The IRIS Orchestra's concert Saturday night did what it does best: push the creative envelope while providing an exciting -- even explosive -- musical experience.
The big draw was one of the most energetic works maestro Michael Stern has offered -- Chris Brubeck's "Travels in Time for Three," commissioned by a consortium of orchestras that includes IRIS and given its Mid-South premiere at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre.
This terrific piece was put together by the composer (one of the sons of jazz legend Dave Brubeck) in a collaboration with the concert's guest performers, Time for Three.
The trio of two violins and a bass (plus a drummer brought in for the featured piece) touts itself as a "classically trained garage band." The label fits the informal essence of the edgy musicians, but the fact is that they're players of remarkable virtuosity who have focused their performances on blending of styles.
The Brubeck piece has the word "Travels" in the title for a reason. The main theme moves around effortlessly in time and style from hip jazz to Baroque, from gospel funk to big band, from a sweet/sad adagio to Irish pub, and with infusions of rock, '60s TV themes and country.
In lesser hands it might be a gloppy mess, but Brubeck's savvy and Time for Three's artistry turn it into a rollicking ride that fascinates and delights from start to stop. The orchestral backup is not mere filler; instead the players -- clearly having enormous fun -- added a vital dimension to the energetic piece.
There were bravos all around, and as a thank you, Time for Three encored with a sublime version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."
As stellar as the act was, there was more in the evening.
IRIS opened with Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man," the first piece it played at its first concert back in 2000.
Opening the second half of the show was Sibelius' exquisite and moving Seventh Symphony, a piece of delicacy and power given a beautiful interpretation by Stern and the orchestra.
The final work of the evening of Britten's "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," designed to instruct youth, but appealing to any age at any time.
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