MUSIC REVIEWS : Silverstein Shines in Utah Symphony Solo

Sometimes it doesn’t matter when an orchestra is second rate. When the right instrumentalists and conductor combine, faults fade, the musicians go beyond their technical limitations and take us with them.

The late Maurice Abravanel had the reputation for taking the Utah Symphony (he conducted the group, 1948-78) beyond itself, but there was no such luck Monday night at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Abravanel wasn’t there. And the Utah Symphony, under present music director Joseph Silverstein, sounded less than the sum of its parts.

In a symphony-less Brahms program, Silverstein, longtime concertmaster of the Boston Symphony, led rudimentary readings of the “Tragic” Overture and the “Haydn” Variations on the first half.

Though rugged and spirited, these performances revealed the ensemble poorly balanced and rough-edged. Fortes had a shrill quality. Intonation could be a problem. Ensemble was ragged.

It appeared as if more of the same was in store after intermission, with Silverstein taking on the double duties of conductor and soloist in Brahms’ Violin Concerto, when it was announced that associate conductor Robert Henderson would lead the orchestra in the work.

Now we had something. The California-born Henderson proved a sensitive and meticulous musician, and the orchestra became polished under his baton. Attacks and releases were clear-cut, balances poised, phrases shaded, fortes disciplined. He accompanied astutely.

And Silverstein had violin in hand. The 62-year-old instrumentalist still commands a sweet, rich, ringing tone and fluent technique. He made his points easily and compellingly, a veteran performer in his element, a master orator with the crowd in his pocket.

He seemed to get at the meat of this music. He made Brahms declaim. He made Brahms sing. He made Brahms jaunty. This was more like it.