Word: poto
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...Brahms presents technical difficulties comparable to the Berlioz, and musical problems that are much deeper. But the orchestra had solved most of the technical problems, and conductor Attilio Poto showed not only his usual control and precision, but also an interpretation which was neither unusual nor detailed, but was remarkable in its mere presence. Too often, his sole concern has been with "the notes" rather than the more profound problems of musicality, and this performance represented a refreshing change...
...Friday night's concert, the major work was Schubert's 7th Symphony, with a Bartok Dance Suite and a Handel Concerto for strings and double wind orchestra filling out the program. In the Bartok, conductor Attilio Poto's strong technique was invaluable to the orchestra as he guided the players through the rhythmic complexities of the work...
...could not, however, be sustained throughout such a long work. Mr. Poto, in striving for rhythmic vitality, sacrificed the song-like quality which is the trademark of Schubert, and the grace which a more leisurely slow movement would have had. The brass section was not kept under control, with the result that in the coda of the first movement, for example, the returning theme was lost entirely...
...responsibility for this lies solely with the conductor. In Attilio Poto, the orchestra is fortunate in having a man whose impeccable conducting technique provides control and discipline, and whose sense of balance allows the clarity imperative for a good performance. But Mr. Poto does not go any further. Technique is substituted for feeling, clarity for delineation and emphasis. Throughout, the absence of a shaped phrase, a smooth flow of line, or a large conception is painfully evident...
...Poto's credit, he is an excellent accompanist and extremely sympathetic with a soloist. Last night's was Joel Sachs '61, this year's winner of the Pierian Sodality Concerto Contest. In its musical problems, the Fourth Concerto is one of the most difficult in the entire literature. Mr. Sachs was most successful when he did not attempt to do something unusual. His strongest asset is an exceptionally lovely and fluid tone, which was often ravishing in the closing Rondo. His passage-work, particularly in the last movement when it cleared up, sparkled, and the reading was modest, but very...