Monday, September 13, 2004
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The Cincinnati Symphony welcomes Emanuel Ax
By
Kendra Leonard
Ever since he made his debut with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in 1976, pianist Emmanuel Ax has been a Queen City favorite. This fall, he’ll be back for the first time in nearly fifteen years to play with Paavo and the orchestra in a program of Mozart, Brahms, and Berio.
Ax was just twenty-five when he won the Rubenstein Piano Competition and was thrust into the limelight. The years that followed brought further acclaim and prizes, an exclusive recording contract with Sony Classical, and worldwide fame. Ax has performed with nearly every major orchestra in the United States and Europe, and has concertized as a soloist and chamber musician in a variety of settings and with countless other musicians. Recently becoming more engaged in the works of the our time, Ax has turned his attention to living composers, working closely with John Adams, Christopher Rouse, Bright Sheng, and Melinda Wagner to present premieres and make recordings of their works, often written especially for him.
On the program at Music Hall are three equally intriguing works. As director Paavo Jarvi notes, the concert is unified by the orchestrations of chamber works by older composers by more recent ones. The program opens with Arnold Schoenberg’s orchestrated variations on a classical theme by Luigi Boccherini. Here, Berio’s exploratory persona shifts Boccherini’s work into new planes, treating it to various tonal shifts, alterations of timbre, and structural modifications. Listening to the work is as though you are aurally experiencing funhouse mirrors reflecting music; the lines are waved, the shapes unrecognizable, yet familiar just the same.
Ax follows the Berio with the Mozart Piano Concerto no. 27 in B-flat. Composed in 1788-91, the work is divided into the traditional four movements of the Classical period. This final concerto for the piano—premiered just nine months before Mozart’s death—shows the composer’s full maturity and skill in the genre: organic and fluid, it contains one of the most moving slow movements of Mozart’s works. Throughout, simplicity of line and elegant lyricism mark the work as somewhat elegiac, while related motives and tonal structures built a work that is aurally complete from the first phrase to the last. One of Ax’s signature pieces in recent years, the B-flat Concerto promises to electrify and move audiences regardless of their knowledge of the composer or his works.
Johannes Brahms’s exciting Piano Quartet no. 1 in G minor, as orchestrated by Schoenberg concludes the concerts. Originally composed for piano, violin, viola, and cello in 1861, the G minor Quartet carries listeners through a vivid musical journey from sweeping and gently melancholy melodies in the first movement to a wild and almost barbarous gypsy dance in the finale. Taking Brahms’s original score as his guide, Schoenberg carefully added winds, brass, and especially percussion to the work, creating a colorful sonic landscape reminiscent of the exoticism of Rimsky. Fun for the orchestra, this work is even more enjoyable for the audience, especially if they are familiar with the original piece of chamber music and can appreciate the additions made by Schoenberg.
Check out these restaurants near Music Hall
Aioli
Over the Rhine
Contemporary French and Southwest cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Plenty of fish and vegetarian dishes are available in addition to interesting twists on old standards, such as the duck confit tamale with mole and guacamole.
Arnold's Bar & Grill
Downtown
Cincinnati's oldest bar is also one of its favorites. Blue collar, white collar, and no collar all mix with ease in this 1861 saloon. The barkeeps are friendly, and the atmosphere just right--somewhere between jolly and a din. The cuisine is Italian homestyle, so tuck your napkin in your shirt and dig in. The antique bar fixtures will help transport you back in time, and the casual fun will make it a trip to repeat.
Avril & Bleh Meat Market
Downtown
In business since 1894, this friendly Cincinnati butcher makes authentic bockwurst and can serve up whatever cuts you need.
Barleycorn's
Downtown
Casual eatery featuring all-American fare.
BarrelHouse Brewing Co.
Over the Rhine
The BarrelHouse Brewing Co. serves up great beers created on site including the award-winning RedLegg Ale. There are plenty of vegetarian options available, and the Teriyaki Chicken pizza goes well with any libation you might choose.
Bassano’s
Downtown
Family-friendly Italian restaurant serving traditional pastas, soups, and salads. A children's menu is also available.
Bella
Downtown
International flavors spice up carefully prepared American cuisine. The chicken and seafood dishes are good, and the homemade desserts even better.
Big Easy Cajun
Downtown
This chain restaurant offers seafood and chicken dishes served New Orleans-style, with plenty of pepper and spice.
Cafe Tazza
Over the Rhine
This tiny but cozy and comfortable restaurant is a lunchtime favorite with Mt. Auburn folks in the know: fresh and creative vegetarian options spill off of the menu into bowls and plates, nourishing the most tired city-dweller or student. Like a favorite great-aunt's tattered but charming parlor, Cafe Tazza is a place to relax, breathe deeply, and order up a cup of soup, postponing, however, briefly, a return to the bustling world outside.
Campanello's
Downtown
Southern Italian dishes served in a restaurant that makes you feel as welcome as family. Chow down on classic pastas and meat dishes accompanied by salad or soup, and the wine and fun will flow. It's as if you were eating at Cousin Paulie's place after hours, though you still might spot a local celeb or sports star carbo-packing for the next big game.
Carol's on Main
Downtown
A perfect place for lunch or dinner downtown, Carol's serves fresh salads, full entrees, and good sandwiches and wraps. The "Noodle-Do" Asian salad is a terrific cool lunch in the summer, and on cold days, there's always soup on the stove.
Courtyard Cafe on Main
Over the Rhine
Casual sandwiches and the usual assortment of bar food. If it's nice out, eat on the patio away from the hubbub of Main St.
Findlay Market
Over the Rhine
Cincinnati's quintessential open-air market is a midwestern hodge-podge of butchers, bakers, fruit and veg sellers, and more. Come early for the best produce and meats, including Cincinnati specialties such as goetta; stay late for the people-watching.
First Watch
Downtown
First Watch is a local chain specializing in breakfast with an emphasis on excellent egg dishes. Crepes and pancakes take second place, but are almost as good as the omelettes and over-easys.
Hamburger Mary's
Downtown
Burgers and sandwiches served in a great campy atmosphere with friendly wait staff and party nights that cater to Cincinnati's GLBT crowd. Famous for Bloody Marys and Margaritas. Offers a daily happy hour.
Harry's Bar & Pizza
Over the Rhine
Pizza, subs, and salads in a tiny storefront on Main Street.
Hathaway's
Downtown
Hathaway's is an old-fashioned, down-home diner right in the center of town. Get there early for goetta and eggs or stop by for a lunch of burgers and fries. Be sure to finish it all up with classic apple pie a la mode.
Javier's Mexican Restaurant
Downtown
This bustling lunch-only restaurant offers traditional and creative Mexican dishes. Be sure to try the chicken with mole sauce or chilaquiles. There are plenty of vegetarian options as well.
Jean-Robert at Pigall’s
Downtown
Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel has accumulated several Michelin stars in his career, and shows how he's done so with his signature restaurant, Jean-Robert at Pigall's. For $65 you'll get a wonderful three-course prix fixe dinner created with savoir faire and fun. Book well in advance, practice your French, and be prepared for a super meal.
JeanRo Bistro
Downtown
Classic French bistro cuisine from Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel, who also operates Jean-Robert at Pigall's. Rich dishes featuring game, cold summer soups, and lovely desserts make this the perfect place for a special lunch--or even just because.
Jeff Ruby's
Downtown
Deco decor and massive steaks, along with seafood and salads for the less carnivorous.
Ko-Sho Japanese Restaurant
Downtown
Sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine in downtown Cincinnati not far from either the Riverfront or the Main Street bar district.
La Normandie - CLOSED
Downtown
Steaks, salads, fish and more, done up right. This more-casual sister of The Maisonette (they share a kitchen) offers up familiar dishes prepared with flair.
LeBoxx Cafe
Downtown
Located right across the street from the Main Library in downtown Cincinnati, LeBoxx is a cheerful eat-in and take-away sandwich shop and restaurant with options for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Catering and delivery available, both on small scales and large.
Manna Vegetarian Deli
Downtown
Healthy vegetarian offerings for city workers on the go. The wraps are filling and sandwiches stuffed with tofu, tempeh, and other tasty options.
Mejana's
Downtown
Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on the wonderful tastes and textures of Lebanon. Vegetarian non-veg options available, including lamb ribs, seafood, and traditional falafels and kebabs.
Montgomery Inn
Downtown
A long-time Cincinnati landmark, the Montgomery Inn restaurants offer slow-roasted ribs drenched in a sweet barbecue sauce.
Mullane's Parkside Cafe
Downtown
In the heart of Porkopolis, a breath of (mostly) vegetarian air. Conviently located right next door to the Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, Mullane's serves up rice dishes, pastas, and more for the vegetarian in each of us.
Nicholson's Tavern and Pub
Downtown
Contemporary dishes prepared with a Scottish flair and accompanied by a wonderfully long list of available libations from Islay malts to Highland beers and songs to sing while you drink them.
Nicola's Ristorante
Over the Rhine
Northern Italian cuisine including fish, veal, and an assortment of delicious appetizers and pastas. Owned by the owners of the Verdin Bell Company, Nicola's is graced with unique and memorable decor in the form of clock faces and other cast pieces.
Palace Restaurant
Downtown
Elegant French cuisine served with attention to detail and creative elements, using seasonal ingredients and couture-style presentations.
Palomino
Downtown
American cuisine featuring wood-fired pizzas. A popular after-work spot for downtown workers.
Patoshnik's
Downtown
Soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps to go or eat in.
Queen of Sheba
Downtown
Wonderful Ethiopean cuisine including sampler platters that introduce diners to the tastes of the country with style. There are plenty of vegetarian options, as well as meaty stews.
Redfish Looziana Roadhouse
Downtown
Blackened redfish, jambalaya, and other foods from the Mississipi delta await you at this casual seafood-and-steak chain.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Downtown
Solid American dishes sure to please everyone in your party. Beer drinkers can take advantage of the wide selection of microbrews.
Shadeau Breads
Over the Rhine
Lovely fresh breads and pastries perfect for picnics or strolling through historic Cincinnati.
Shanghai Mama's
Downtown
Reminiscent of a sleek 1920s style noodle bar, Shanghai Mama's (run by the owners of Pacific Moon) serves up noodle bowls, salads, and dim-sum style appetizers just right for pre-show or post-party dining.
The Grille at the Palm Court
Downtown
A casual, clubby atmosphere with steaks, burgers, and other forms of meaty entrees, along with nice salads and veggies for the non-carnivores in your party.
The Little Havana Cuban Restaurant
Over the Rhine
A short menu of Cuban specialties including Cuban Sandwiches and fried plantains is all you need to satisfy your craving for island foods at The Little Havana. If you're office-bound, the staff will deliver in the downtown/OTR area.
The Maisonette - CLOSED
Downtown
Truly the best dining Cincinnati has to offer, The Maisonette has maintained its five-star status for decades. There are several prix fixe menus available, including the very reasonable 3-course lunch menu for $33.
Total Juice Plus
Downtown
Wonderfully nourishing smoothies of all varieties and inventive wraps await you at this downtown eatery.
Kendra Leonard is an arts historian based in the Cincinnati area.
