Music Reviews : Grace, Charm from Itzhak Perlman in Pavilion Recital

The music world is blessed with its fair share of virtuosos, but few have the grace and charm of master violinist Itzhak Perlman, as he demonstrated once again at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Wednesday evening.

Schubert’s Fantasy in C, D. 934, was a case in point.

This four-movement work includes a set of variations on the composer’s song “Sei mir gegrusst.” The theme is sustained and gorgeous, so lovely, in fact, that one writer has suggested that the “superficial” variations that follow are unworthy of it.

Whatever the case may be, Perlman’s violin sang when the music was sweet and kicked up virtuosic heels when the music danced.

The second variation belonged to pianist Janet Goodman Guggenheim, who provided strong support throughout the concert. She demonstrated a persuasive ability to lead as well as follow, when called on by the composer.

Francesco Maria Veracini’s Sonata in E minor, written more than a hundred years earlier in 1721, was stylishly played by the duo, proving that one need not give up modern instruments to play early music musically.

The formal part of the program closed with the Saint-Saens Sonata No. 1, which ended with a brilliantly executed moto perpetuo.

This was followed by six musical bonbons, announced from the stage. These included melodies by Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Chopin, and a delightfully bluesy account of Heifetz’s transcription of a Gershwin prelude. The capacity crowd responded with a standing ovation.