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Recital: Robert Sullivan
Friday, May 26 2:00
Joseph Bowman, Reviewer
A large audience greeted Robert Sullivan, associate principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, in the Purchase Conservatory Recital Hall. Sullivan, assisted by James Rensink on piano, proceeded to leave a lasting impression on all that attended. Beginning with Jolivet's Air de Bravoure, Sullivan displayed a warm, rich sound and seemingly effortless tonguing. Concerto Saint-Marc by Albinoni followed and gave Sullivan an opportunity to showcase his piccolo prowess. The four-movement work featured warm lyrical sections and fast, light runs that held the audience captivated. The final work on the first half of the program was Bozza's Caprice. Sullivan used the piece as an opportunity to treat the listeners with a variety of different tone colors. The fast sections were spirited and displayed the performer's technique.
The second half began with the 1979 ITG commission, Sonata by Norman Dello Joio. Sullivan took a moment to explain to the audience that the piece was premiered by his teacher, Armando Ghitalla and held a special meaning for him. The first movement, Theme and Variations, gave Sullivan a chance to focus on the lyrical sections. The finely honed articulations of the third variation were a joy to listen to. The second movement featured a cadenza-like feel, which was flawlessly executed. The single-tongue speed Sullivan showed in the third movement drew several exclamations from the audience. The Dello Joio is a difficult work due to the extended melodic lines in the upper register but Sullivan showed no signs of fatigue. Indeed, he seemed to gain strength as he progressed.
Accompanist James Rensink arranged Three Preludes by George Gershwin and featured vintage Gershwin melodic lines. Sullivan's rendition on B-flat trumpet drew a standing ovation. The two final selections featured arrangements of traditional Irish melodies by James Rensink, Danny Boy, and Slane. Rensick mentioned that Sullivan's grandmother, who passed away the past weekend, loved Danny Boy and taught it to Robert when he was young. The end of the flugelhorn solo drew a tear-filled standing ovation that lasted for several minutes. The masterful performance by Sullivan and wonderful audience reaction made this one of the most memorable events of ITG 2000. (Joseph Bowman, D.M.A. student, Arizona State University) |
