The Cleveland Pops Orchestra had a nifty name for its holiday program over the weekend at the Allen Theatre in Playhouse Square: "A Very Merry Pops." Emphasize the "very" and you get the drift of the program, which was so stuffed with seasonal items, dancing and even dogs that the concert lasted a challenging 2
1/2 hours.
But give conductor Carl Topilow and his mirthful musicians bountiful credit
for acknowledging that the holidays are for everyone. The program contained
music for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa performed with vivid help from the
Baldwin-Wallace College Singers and the Mutual Gifts Gospel Choir, an ensemble
of employees from Medical Mutual, which sponsored the concerts.
Cantor Sarah J. Sager from Fairmount Temple was on hand to offer a lovely
medley of Hanukkah tunes, while vocalist Barbara Knight took intimate care of
several secular favorites. And Topilow, of course, played clarinet, first a
"normal" instrument and then a red one in collaboration with
colleagues - themselves playing white and green versions - in Leroy Anderson's
spunky "Clarinet Candy."
The program focused on the brightest sides of the holidays, delving into sacred territory in Randall Thompson's "Glory to God in the Highest," sung with corporate vigor and cohesion by the Baldwin-Wallace forces, and four spirituals, which the Mutual Gifts choir performed to the robust skies.
Topilow was especially gleeful Saturday leading five children from the
audience in the minuet from Leopold Mozart's "Toy Symphony." One
adorable little lady emitted appropriately boisterous sounds from her instrument
and promptly stomped off the stage. "She asked permission," Topilow
informed the crowd.
Certainly the evening's most unusual moments were provided by meteorologist Dick Goddard, who helped make the recent passage of Ohio's Animal Welfare Bill possible, and a few four-footed friends. Cricket, a gorgeous mixed-breed border collie, did some fancy tricks and leaps over several backs, including Goddard's, and came close to stealing the show.
Still, Topilow and the Pops were their smart selves throughout, offering
crisp and warm versions of fare for the season, including Anderson's
"Sleigh Ride" and Rossini's "The Fantastic Toyshop." The
audience, though small, sang with big hearts during the final sing-along.
So what if the onstage lighting was too dark and the grab-bag program sometimes proceeded in fits and starts? Most of the concert was very merry, indeed. And there's more to come: the Pops Orchestra moves back to Severance Hall on Dec. 31 for its annual New Year's Eve bash.
Who knows? Maybe Cricket can be persuaded to waltz with Topilow.
