Neikrug Experience

So it’s all done!  I performed Marc Neikrug’s Bassoon Concerto with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Carlos Kalmar conducting.  Marc was able to come and was there for the rehearsals and both performances, which was great. I have to say it was such a rewarding experience all around.  Having been the one who sat down with Marc and answered all of his bassoon questions, it was such a thrill to finally play the piece myself and see how it all came together.  I was able to make it to the world premier last year in Boston, but you performers know what a difference it makes to play a piece vs. listening to it!

Many people ask me what has been the most enjoyable part of the whole experience and I have to say lots of things.  I loved sitting with Marc in his living room two and half years ago and helping him with the bassoon. I really enjoyed working on a new piece rather than something like Mozart which I’ve played a million times. Though I do have to say I know that there is no chance Mozart will show up to any rehearsals or concerts! Having Marc there was great, though!  I can only imagine how this experience was/is for him. And, obviously I loved being included in this group of diverse yet equally amazing bassoonists for this commission.

One thing musicians and non-musicians alike will probably find interesting (or alarming) is that for these performances we had a grand total of 1.5 hours of rehearsal which included the dress!  I must admit that I was very concerned about that since the piece is brand new and no one had heard it except me.  Luckily Richard Svoboda’s performance was still streaming at the Boston Symphony’s website so I was able to direct the orchestra there for those who wanted to check it out in advance.  Also, Carlos Kalmar was absolutely amazing at getting the piece put together in the hour we had before the dress.  Marc and I were kind of dumbfounded.  And, of course, the orchestra was fantastic and I am so grateful to my amazing colleagues for their wonderful playing!

I’ve already been given the recordings from both nights and I am elated with how they turned out.  Be on the lookout here as I will be putting up some sound clips just as soon as I can!

In the meantime, here is what the reviewers had to say:

“Soluri gave a commanding performance, handling the piece’s more angular lines with precision and its more lyrical moments with lovely direction. He brought a rich, focused sounds to the entire work.” Elaine Schmidt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Soluri was magnificent. His warm, polished sound sang with multiple colors and dynamic nuance, his thoughtful musicianship gave the impression there could be no better way to play the piece, and his technique was sure and easy.” William Barnewitz, Urban Milwaukee Dial

” Theodore Soluri was stunning as soloist in Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra by Marc Neikrug, a co-commission from MSO and three other orchestras. Soluri stressed the lyricism of the piece, shaping phrases with gorgeous tone.” Rick Walters, The Shepherd Express