April 3–10, 1997

cover story|Philly Discquiks

classical

Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Luis Biava

Bridging the Silence (Indre Classics)

This live recording, made in October 1996 during the orchestra's strike, is significant for a number of reasons. The concert was broadcast on national radio, the first live airplay for the orchestra in six years. It is also one of the best sounding recordings the Philadelphia Orchestra has ever made (the venue is the Media Theater for the Performing Arts). Thus, in a single stroke, the players dramatically underline two of the key issues of the strike; the loss of broadcasting and recording opportunities, and demonstrate the energy and creativity that will be required to change the dreary status quo. This was basically a pops program, with such warhorses as Barber's Adagio for Strings, the William Tell overture, and Ravel's "La Valse." Biava conducts with gusto, and the orchestra seems to be playing with unusual fervor, producing a joyous shout in the midst of a dark period in the life of a great orchestra.

— Peter Burwasser