February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Costello has not been resting on his laurels since his career took off. Saturday night capped off a three-night stand at Avery Fisher Hall during the annual Lincoln Center Festival. Costello was there to show his many sides: singer, songwriter, and, more recently, composer.
The Brooklyn Philharmonic, along with conductor Brad Lubman, presented “Il Sogno” (The Dream), Costello’s first full-length symphonic work.
Having dabbled in the classical arena for years, Costello was commissioned in 2000 to write the musical score to Italy’s Aterballetto Dance Company’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Out of that came “Il Sogno,” which will be released as a record this fall. It was this work that began Saturday evening’s show and received a standing ovation until Costello was coaxed out from backstage to take his bow.
Costello returned to the stage after a short intermission to sing reworked versions of pieces from his long and storied songbook.
Along with longtime collaborator and pianist Steve Nieve, upright bassist Davey Faragher, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Costello treated the audience to an array of songs that displayed his prowess both songwriting and classical arrangement.
Costello did not play his commercial hits. Perhaps he got that out of his system on Thursday night, with his pop band, The Impostors. On Saturday evening, the mature Costello dug deeper into his catalogue, coming up with recent work from his latest release, “North,” and some of his first classical arrangements.
While performing the orchestral arrangements of his own work, Costello remained rapt with the work of his backing musicians. He watched as the cellists played, and seemed to study Lubman in his conducting duties, as if to pick up pointers.
His newer work shows a larger musical scope, and displays his newfound attention to the technical aspects of songwriting. Highlights included “Fallen,” which should only be performed with an Orchestra such as the Philharmonic, and “Almost Blue,” a smoky jazz number.
His time at Lincoln Center could be described as a peek into Costello’s musical curiosity. His first show of the week was with the Netherlands Metropole Orkest, where they performed a new orchestral jazz work of Costello’s.
His last performance of the week was saved for Costello’s most ambitious work to date.
“Il Sogno” is a success in that it remains true to Shakespeare’s play in its highs and lows, both the chaotic moments and those of calm.
The piece, while successful in its storytelling, might have been a bit difficult for casual Costello fan, those who know only his pop hits, to grasp. At times, a little tedious, “Il Sogno” was at its best during its frantic parts.
The orchestra enjoyed it as well. Though known for their diverse body of work, the Brooklyn Philharmonic obviously enjoyed performing in such a storied location (it was their Lincoln Center Debut) and with such an adventurous piece of music. Costello has thrown jazz and swing aspects into “Il Sogno,” making it all the more complex.
Judging from his performance Saturday night, Costello’s interest in music looks to only grow in range and depth. If “Il Sogno” is any indication, his transformation from singer/songwriter to singer/songwriter/composer is complete.
“Il Sogno” will be released in September on Deutsche Grammophon Records.