Viewers to Lincoln Center Live on U.S. Public Television were tonight
treated to what may be the ultimate crossover performance of recent
memory.  The combined New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center Jazz
Orchestra performed a concert of mostly Duke Ellington music arranged by
Wynton Marsalis for the collective resources of both units.  Conducted by
Masur with solos by Marsalis, the new arrangements were based closely on
Ellington orchestra originals and performed enthusiastically by members of
both orchestras.  The NYPO instrumentalists played Marsalis arrangements
with verve and enthusiasm which would have made the Duke proud on his one
hundreth or any other birthday.  The first half of the program (which I
missed) reportedly included separate performances of Peer Gynt by each
ensemble.  The second half featured combined orchestral resources in
new Marsalis arrangements of four Ellington originals including "A
Tone Parrallel To Harlem" which more than captured the spirit of the
original big band arrangement played countless times by various Ellington
orchestras.  The augmentation of the Jazz orchestra brass and reeds with
additional resources of the NYPO was an exciting sonic event in addition to
an inspiring performance.  The richness of oboe and bassoon sound which was
added to these great classic big band arrangements makes me wonder why jazz
orchestras don't include more woodwind instruments.

IMHO this was one of the series great programs of recent times.  Masur,
NYPO members, Marsalis' group and the audience seemed to enjoy themselves
greatly.  A commercial concert recording would seem in order for this one.

Bernard Gregoire
Hingham, MA