Symphony Adapts to Change on Podium

The Long Beach Symphony last programmed Charles Ives’ Second Symphony in 1984, five years before JoAnn Falletta became music director. Saturday night, the orchestra offered an overdue reprise of this appealing work. Falletta had rehearsed the band, but a death in her immediate family prevented her from leading the performance at Terrace Theater. Instead, Assistant Conductor Eugene Castillo conducted.

Castillo received notice on Monday that he would take the podium for the occasion, which also included an appearance by David Buechner as soloist in the Fifth Piano Concerto, by Beethoven. He had never conducted either score before, and only four rehearsal sessions remained.

The outcome impressed, nevertheless, though in Ives’ happy meeting of European symphonic tradition and town-band repertory, it was difficult to tell who deserved most credit. Much of the polish and clarity of voicing seemed to come--unprompted--from the well-trained musicians, themselves, particularly in view of what must have been distracting gymnastics from Castillo. But, if fussiness on the podium confused one or two cutoffs, the conductor’s broad beat drew seamless lines in the Andante and encouraged plenty of vibrancy, particularly in Ives’ determined “Bringing in the Sheaves” march and in the contrapuntal engagement based on “Camptown Races.”

The orchestra also rose to the challenge of Buechner’s powerful and poetic approach in the “Emperor” Concerto, complementing his lusty drive with bright partnership. Occasionally adding extra percussion by stamping on the pedal, the New York-based pianist compelled with a colorful, sometimes eccentrically paced but always involving performance. Then, as encore, he announced the victory of the Yankees in the World Series, placed a well-worn team cap in a place of honor on the piano and celebrated with Gershwin’s “Kickin’ the Clouds Away.”