Venice Baroque Orchestra

Renowned violinist Robert McDuffie and the Venice Baroque Orchestra perform the Glass “Concerto for Violin No. 2” and the Vivaldi “Four Seasons.”

“Violin Concerto No. 2, ‘The American Seasons,’ was so spectacularly played by the piece’s muse, American violinist Robert McDuffie…that the event turned into one of the most exciting musical evenings of the year” (Toronto Star). More Information

15 Replies to “Venice Baroque Orchestra”

  1. Spectacular! Philip Glass’s “…Seasons…” is phenomenal. Robert McDuffie is joyful. The combination was moving beyond words. This concert made my year. Thank You.

  2. When I got there I was informed that there was plenty of room in section 6 and I could move down from the balcony if I wanted – for one, I chose to stay in the balcony, where I had a GREAT view of the orchestra! For two, THEIR LOSS, to anyone who didn’t buy up those available seats! That was absolutely a performance of a lifetime, so sensitive and emotive it evoked images of the seasons that put the classic Fantasia to shame.

  3. I haven’t been a committed fan of Philip Glass but after last night’s incredible performance, I have a very different view. Also, Vivaldi was much like a ‘conversation’ in which I was included. Thank you

  4. Magnificent! Incredible! Memorable! Electrifying! I didn’t want the concert to end and yet I was eager to leap from my seat to applaud, even before the last note. This is not meant to be disrespectful in any way, but I could not help thinking of it as a Vivaldi hoedown — I’ve never seen a classical violinist so intense and yet having so much fun.

    THANK YOU for scheduling this concert.

  5. The combination of Vivaldi and Glass was truly great. The emotional depth and range of Robert McDuffie’s playing the Glass American Four Seasons was astounding. Left me shaking my head in awe well after leaving the Fine Arts Center. The standing ovation was well deserved.

    Reminded me of the richness mature artist give us.

    Years ago Merce Cunningham and John Cage were at the FAC. The results were similarly amazing and I still remember the power of that concert to this day. I suspect I will remember this concert for years to come as well.

  6. Ditto all of the above. Fabulous concert and wonderful to have such good classical music and srtists. I thought Robert Mc Duffie was going to dance across the stage!

  7. This was the first Philip Glass piece I ever saw performed live, and it was brilliant.

    Robert McDuffie plays that violin like a ROCK STAR. Im sure Pete Townshend is mighty envious.

    Bravo.

  8. Ditto to your statement. I sent e-mail to friends this morning using almost all of those words. I had a long tiring day and almost fell asleep during the Vivaldi. Lovely but not good for helping me to stay awake. But after Glass I skipped all the way home!

  9. The performance was fantastic. Their playing of Vivaldi’s perennial “Four Seasons” was joyful and exuberant. The musicians were incredibly in tune with each other. It was a joy to see them spontaneously bust into “Greensleeves” while they and we waited while a small interruption occurred to allow some late comers into the show. No annoyance. Just a simple sort of “ok, let’s fill some time” sort of reaction and it lessened the annoyance that the crowd felt with being interrupted in such an exciting performance.

    The Glass American 4 Seasons went from tremulous lows to tumultuous highs as the piano kept time and the strings played off of each other, as is Glass’ trademark composition style. It was over much too soon. The second half literally flew by and the 40 minutes the second half took to play literally felt like only 20 minutes had passed. I was stunned because I had been so thoroughly sucked into the performance.

  10. The Four Seasons performance was technically very interesting as an ideal of baroque performance, but it seemed that the musicians themselves were bored to death, when the violin and lute began to play Greensleeves out of the blue (they are doing this in thirty cities!). The Glass was pleasant but not more, even though some moments of interest could be gained by noting motifs and harmonies in common with the Vivaldi. The old chestnut of the Four Seasons, with a fairly pedestrian modern counterpart left us with a feeling of disappointment.

  11. A brilliant performance of sublime music. “Green Sleeves” was not “out of the blue.” The Lute player spotted a door opening to admit two late comers and they broke with sly good humor to serenade the two latecomers to their seats. I thought it might embarrass the pair, but they did not seem to realize that they had stopped the concert. But, sitting close, I can tell you that each musician looked closely at the concert master, who kept his concentration on McDuffie; and the 1st cellist reacted with pleasure and amusement to signals from McDuffie, playing with fervor in response. They played off one another like jazz musicians really listening to each other’s subtle musical nuances. Thank you for bringing us an inspired performance.

  12. It felt like the “music” was talking to me… and I loved what it said! Beautiful concert!

  13. The Vivaldi and Glass Seasons were remarkable. Robert McDuffie is a show-off but he plays his instrument wonderfully. I have loved Glass’s music for a long time and this confirmed it. I thought some of the violins might have to go into rehab after that performance!

  14. Over many long years of concertgoing we have rarely been as thrilled and enthralled as by this year’s spectacular season opener with Glass’ “Seasons” Violin Concerto. The obligatory standing ovation that has become so customary and routine gave away to an audience truly being swept off its feet! Keep renewing the classical repertory with vital young players of new and old works.

  15. How thrilling to be at the FAC for Philip Glass’s “American Seasons”. McDuffie was so rhythmic to watch that I wish I had been up closer; he plays a “mean” violin. I closed my eyes for almost the whole 40 minutes lost into a heightened sensitivity, almost new agey! I believe Glass will be performed 100 years from now and seen as the millenium’s Vivaldi.

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