State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ. Balcony (Seat K101, $58).
Program
Announced from stage.
Pianist: Rohan di Silva.
First, this was a packed auditorium. And ticket prices were (relatively) high. We paid more for a worse seat compared to the Royal Philharmonic concert.
As described in the notes on the event, Perlman went over his journey as a child in Tel Aviv to more recent times. He showed many photographs and videos. I did take some notes which I will retype below (musical numbers prefaced with an *).
He hated the word "virtual," although he recognized that as a life-saver for many people.
His prior encounter with a pandemic (polio) caused his physical problems. Joked that since he couldn't be a tennis star, might as well practice the violin.
The first apartment his parents rented was 5 by 8 (feet?).
*The first piece he played tonight was Kreisler's Tempo di menuetto.
First teacher was found by his parents at the beach, not very good.
Switched teacher (a woman).
*Schumann's Serenade. (That's what I wrote down, and it wasn't the famous one by Schubert).
*Concerto by Oskar Rieding. I had never heard of this composer before, evidently he wrote many violin concertos for the beginning student. In searching for this piece, I found a record of Perlman titled "Concertos from my Childhood" (EMI Classics).
*Allegro by Joseph Hector Fiocco.
How he was picked by Ed Sullivan and began his journey to the United States.
Studied under Ivan Galamian (whom I know as editor of many violin pieces) and his assistant Dorothy DeLay. Galamian ran a summer music school called Meadowmount.
While studying in New York, he earned money by performing at many Jewish fundraisers.
Carnegie debut with a piece by Wieniawski.
Mentioned Ravel's Tzigane.
Won a violin competition (Leventritt).
Talked about recording Schubert's Trout Quintet in London in 1969. With Barenboim, Zuckerman, du Pre and Mehta. I watched the documentary (available on YouTube) recently.
Made the cover of Newsweek.
Part of the "I Hate Steps" campaign.
Performance with Ray Charles.
Appeared on Sesame Street many times.
Sara Lee commercial.
He sang the jailor role in Tosca, with Pavarotti as Cavaradossi and Mehta conducting.
Talked about the Perlman Music Program which he attributed to his wife Tobi (who came backstage after a concert at Meadowmount and said she would marry him). It's going strong after 26/27 years.
Started to conduct.
*Schindler's List. He relayed how John Williams approached him about the piece.
I am not sure what the expectations of the attendees were. The title of the event, "an evening with," should have led one to think this was going to be Perlman reminiscing about his life. I could sense there were quite a few who were somewhat disappointed at the lack of brilliant violin playing during the 90-minute session.
His story is certainly an inspiring one. Of course he has a talent that very few people are blessed with. I do wonder if he hasn't lost a step or two on the virtuoso front, if the recent concerts I attended were any indication.
The session went by very quickly, and I enjoyed it. What is it about a live session that makes it so much more interesting? I can definitely see this as something one would broadcast on PBS, and I will probably give it a miss.
Perlman ended the concert by saying "now you clap," his way of saying there will not be an encore.
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