Under Lionel Bringuier’s masterful baton, the Los Angeles Philharmonic brought to life the playful perfection of George Gershwin’s classic songs and compositions, offering a much-needed respite from the world’s chaos.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 07-13-2023
On a cool summer night after a hot sunny day, the Hollywood Bowl offers a magical experience. No other outdoor venue transitions as gracefully from early evening to the twilight of the magic hour, and then to the cool of the fresh night air in the Hollywood hills. In mid-July, as the days heated up, the Hollywood Bowl became a peaceful haven from the chaos of the world. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, with its focus on the All-Gershwin show, played a pivotal role in creating an ideal escape into a more whimsical and charming time.
With the LA Phil under the masterful baton of Lionel Bringuier, the sounds and feelings of George Gershwin were brought to life. Moreover, the renowned orchestra was aided by the presence of a few stellar guests. On piano, Frenchman Jean-Yves Thibaudet proved to be a Gershwin impresario. Playing without any visible music, Thibaudet played Variations on “I Got Rhythm” in the first part of the show. The piece arranged by William C. Schoenfeld allowed the pianist to shine with vibrance and virtuosity. At the same time, the arrangement also brought out the best in the LA Phil as the orchestra reveled in the brilliance of Gershwin’s composition.
After the excellence of the French pianist, vocalists Isabel Leonard and Tony Yazbeck came on stage to bring to life a wonderful selection of George Gershwin’s iconic songs. Strolling on stage singing “For The Man I Love” like she’s taking a walk in the park, American mezzo-soprano and opera singer Isabel Leonard proved to be a highlight of the show. Her perfected nonchalance and effervescent beauty take her vocals to the next level of delivery. Although she is a powerhouse able to belt out a tune like a well-trained opera singer, the precision of her performance is in her restraint. She gives what the song requires to realize an ideal moment.
As her musical partner in crime, Tony Yazbeck brings boundless energy and tap-dancing bravado to the stage. A highlight of their interaction was a playful version of “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off” that brought animation to the stage. Although his Broadway-oriented voice does not fully match her range, his enthusiasm makes up for the lighter punch. The two vocalists offered a fine selection of Gershwin’s iconic tunes, receiving standing ovations from the tickled audience. Given his background as a Tin Pan Alley “song-plugger” in his early days, George Gershwin would have approved of the playful back-and-forth between the two singers.
In the show’s second half, Jean-Yves Thibaudet returned to lead an inspired version of Gershwin’s legendary composition Rhapsody in Blue. Backed by Lionel Bringuier’s precise conducting of the LA Phil, the French pianist proved to be a revelation. With the agility of an Olympic athlete and the playful passion of a child, Thibaudet brought forth the emotional resonance of Gershwin’s masterpiece. Indeed, his playing transported the audience at the Hollywood Bowl to a time and place that felt like a respite from today’s chaotic world. Once again, the Los Angeles Philharmonic proved to be a temporary antidote to the toxicity that haunts modern life in the twenty-first century.
Photos by Timothy Norris for the LA Philharmonic
