By Tim Smith
The Baltimore Sun, March 31, 2003

Last year, when the Concert Artists of Baltimore planned programs for this season, the choice of A German Requiem by Brahms would have been a purely musical one.

Given the war in Iraq, that prescient choice seemed all the wiser Friday night at Meyerhoff Hall. It's powerful enough under the best of circumstances to hear how blessed are they who mourn; at a time like this, such words conveyed extra weight.

Edward Polochick, whose affinity for the choral repertoire invariably impresses, conducted a performance of remarkable beauty and depth. His tempos were propulsive, yet never rushed; his phrasing was attuned to each subtle gradation in dynamics, each expressive curve in the melodic lines. He made sure that the music retained an affecting intimacy, even at its most assertive, and that the solid, comforting architecture of the score could be deeply appreciated.

The incisive interpretation was reflected in the response from the forces onstage. The choral ensemble - a combination of the Concert Artists' own chorus and several dozen members of the former Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Chorus - produced a warm and sturdy sound, articulated with as much concern for words as the richness of Brahms' harmonies. It was hard to remember that these choristers have not been working together for years. The soloists, soprano Esther Heideman and baritone Randal Woodfield, encountered some strain and tonal unsteadiness, but phrased with eloquence. The orchestra did polished, expressive work.

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, which opened the program, provided an opportunity to savor the aristocratic gifts of pianist Ann Schein. Her playing was colorful, poetic, assured (a bump in the finale was easily navigated). A little more punch in parts of the outer movements and a little more gentleness in the middle one would have been welcome, but the naturalness in her phrasing invariably proved winning. Polochick's beautifully dovetailed partnering inspired poised and vibrant support from the orchestra.

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