The Boston Pops, Keith Lockhart conducting, last night at Symphony Hall. Holiday Pops runs until Dec. 31.
There is a special place in the heart of all true Bostonians for the Holiday Pops. Keith Lockhart, that most excellent maestro of middle-brow music, brought the 2002 version to Symphony Hall Tuesday evening to begin the Pops annual season.
Lockhart layers that seasonal cheer with great music. The evening opened with a perfunctory ``Hark! The Herald Angels Sing'' from a Mendelssohn-Bass arrangement, and a passage from the ``Messiah.'' Things really got going with the orchestral prelude from Humperdinck's ``Hansel and Gretel,'' starched and elevated playing by the terrific-sounding Pops orchestra.
``Hansel and Gretel'' was followed by the evening's highlight, a setting of Robert Frost's emblematic ``Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.''
Randall Thompson set several Frost poems in his ``Frostiana''; none more moving than this. Frost's great poem presents a modern conundrum: should one move this way toward worldly pleasures, or that way toward perceived salvation. The poem makes its own case; but with Thompson's music, the point is presented even stronger. It was sung by all male voices, adding a lusty yet thoughtful tone to the text.
Lockhart led the orchestra as well as the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, rehearsed by John Oliver. They sang all night like the marvel they are. Loud and forthright, the TFC sings with conviction and understanding, and Lockhart makes a fine leader. It takes a dedicated chorus to add substance to tried-and-true traditional tunes. The TFC pulls it off.
After intermission the good cheer continued, and so did the good music. ``Kije Takes a Ride'' promoted the talents of the Pops' wind section.
Lockhart showed his stuff with an arrangement of winter songs, traipsing through ``Baby, It's Cold Outside,'' ``I Love the Winter Weather,'' and ``I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm'' with verve and rhythmic aplomb. An interesting arrangement of ``Joy to the World'' followed, and a hint of ``Twas the Night Before Christmas.'' As the merry sing-along to close the concert began, this deadline-seeking critic made his way to the door. Any performance that invites this listener to sing cannot be worth reviewing after all.
Certainly not after such fine music making.
There are still many tickets available for the Holiday Pops. Holiday Pops runs through New Year's Eve. Call 617-262-1200 for tickets.
