Steven Larsen, music director of the RSO, began the evening with "Reels and Reveries," a work by Philip Rhodes, based on snips of bluegrass music and an old hymn tune allegedly derived from eastern Kentucky, maybe from the early 19th century.

    Filled with the typical "fiddler" sounds of bluegrass, simple harmonies, intricate meter changes and intriguing use of brass and winds, it was a rather delightful work. To the surprise of the audience, the orchestra turned "choir" for a few bars of "Cluck or Hen."

    The next two works featured the gifted virtuoso pianist Jeffrey Biegel.

    First was a 1998 work, "Millennium Fantasy" for piano and orchestra written on suggestion and commission by Biegel by one of America's leading composers, Ellen Taaffee Zwilich.

    The music is based on a folk song the composer heard from her grandmother. It became the basis for this musical fantasy for piano and orchestra.

    The work required tremendous power and gentleness, unleashed emotion and quiet restraint, unbelievably rapid attack of the keys and the most sensitive touch. Biegel was up to the challenge.

    Much of the music was dissonant, but not in an overbearing manner. The orchestra handled the musical mood shifts exceptionally well.

    New works sometimes are viewed with reserve, but this audience responded with much appreciation.     Knowing the work's demands on the piano, a tuner was on hand to "tweak" a few strings. When the touch-up was completed, the

    This concerto is full of excitement and demands extreme energy and skill by the performer.

    Though written as one continuous movement, the work appears to have the typical four movement symphonic form.

    Biegel again displayed his power in the forte passages as well as his great dexterity in some very rapid passages. Shifting from very energetic to gentle moments in the music was no concern. Both were handled with great skill.

    The audience gave Biegel a lengthy standing ovation for his excellent performance.

    Following intermission, the orchestra concluded the evening with Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68. One might see this work as a farewell to Beethoven and the transition to Brahms' "having arrived," though Brahms had been established as a renowned musician by the time this symphony was introduced in 1876. The first movement began with full orchestra and the solid beat of the time. The dynamic texture, accents and suspensions were performed well by the orchestra.

    The second and third movements were much lighter, more graceful and gentle than the first and final movements. The second ended with solo violin and orchestra in a beautiful legato melody.

    Unfortunately, the orchestra appeared to be a bit overpowering for the violin. The final movement, announced by solo horn, was full and rich in sound. The tempo established by Larsen was brisk, yet welcome and refreshing. It was indeed a great evening with the RSO.

    Nat Bauer is music director at First Presbyterian Church in Belvidere.