Continuum: Celebrating Ursula Mamlok

Merkin Concert Hall, New York, NY

January 13, 2010

 Continuum’s commemoration of Ursula Mamlok’s 87th birthday spanned the 50 years of her journey as a composer. And this revealing concert showed us that this important composer was steadfastly devoted to her unique style, which for the most part follows serialism. Due to inclement weather and the hardship of travel, Ms. Mamlok was unfortunately unable to attend this concert and tribute. She would have been greatly touched by the numerous reflections and anecdotes of her friends and acquaintances. Though she is an urbanite, her connections to the natural world are a continual thread that permeates her oeuvre. That thread was beautifully interwoven by Continuum’s directors, Cheryl Seltzer and Joel Sachs. From the first note of Ulla Suokko’s poignant, impassioned presentation of the demanding solo pieces “Arabesque for Flute” (1960) and “Variations for Solo Flute” (1961) to the intricate ensemble-piece “Girasol” (1990), the performers and audience remained captivated in the microcosms of sound that enveloped them. Whether the subject matter was a bird or a flower, the performers were able to reach inside the material and extract Mamlok’s experience. Fragility and humor were included in each inward journey.

The “Rhapsody” (1989), cohesively and serenely presented by pianist Cheryl Seltzer, clarinetist Moran Katz, and violist Stephanie Griffin, revealed a world of light hidden within the dark palette of the viola and clarinet. Joel Sachs’ presentation of “Sculpture” (1964) captured the suspended stillness embedded in this work; though the opening was colored in dark, sinister tones rife with anxiety, the work slowly calms to a quiet curiosity. An irregular yet delicate dance came across in the “The Love Song of Two Pigeons” (1991), another world premiere; Mr. Sachs created a stunning web of sound to support the challenging demands. Stephanie Griffin’s quiet energy captured the beauty of “From My Garden” (1983). With the skill and insight acquired over a lifetime of artistry, Mamlok produces a sublime rendering of biological wonders, without cliché.

In “Confluences” (2001), a Continuum commission performed by clarinetist Moran Katz, violinist  Renee Jolles, cellist Joanne Lin and pianist Cheryl Seltzer, the poignancy of the music was captured with expression and outstanding clarity. The String Quartet No.2 (1998), with its contrasting themes and colors passed among the performers in continuous conversation, was carefully rendered by Renee Jolles and Airi Yoshioka, violinists; violist Stephanie Griffin and cellist Joanne Lin.  This extraordinary program closed with a witty and enjoyable performance by clarinetists Charles Neidich and Ayako Oshima in the world premiere of the latest Ursula Mamlok composition: “Aphorisms II” for Clarinet Duo (2009). Their playful interchanges fashioned a delightful coda to this significant celebration of Ursula Mamlok.

by Anthony Aibel  for New York Concert Review; New York, NY