Chris Thile and the Knights – Troy Music Hall – Review
Written by Staff on October 31, 2023
Chris Thile and The Knights – Troy Savings Bank Music Hall – October 25th, 2023. By Niki Kaos.
There was a lot going on Wednesday night in the Capital Region, and the mood of people chattering on social media was especially fraught with choices. I was happily headed to Troy Savings Bank Music Hall to see what Chris Thile and The Knights cooked up for us. And it was a dish worth savoring for sure.
Our two energetic hosts, Thile and conductor Eric Jacobsen, introduced each work endearingly, the narrative enhancing the listener’s experience as we drifted into the sounds of the orchestra.
Things started with “Vivace”, from Concerto for Two Violins in D minor – a J.S. Bach work transcribed by Thile – and it was immediately apparent the talent on stage was world class. Orchestra work is some of the technically most complicated music to organize and play live – think about the sheer numbers of musicians on stage – and these folks are the best of the best!
Jacobsen’s intro of the classical pieces was informative and entertaining. We were treated to a work by contemporary classical composer Caroline Shaw, and a robust and joyous rendition of Dvorak’s “Toward America” – the audience so enthused by the music that old school manners of not clapping between movements for classical pieces were out the window. As each performance concluded, applause was at the ready.
And it’s a good time to break down the walls between classical music and other genres, with Thile lending a mischievous flavor to music that otherwise might be identified with stuffiness and pretense. There was none of that to be seen on Wednesday at the Troy Music Hall.
Thile was absent for a few of the classical numbers in the first act, but it didn’t dull the shine of the brilliant Knights, who are one of the most relaxed and skilled musicians I’ve seen on stage in some time. With bows synchronized like legs of Rockettes, for someone who realizes how much work that takes, I sat in admiration. The feeling of the music was propelled by the expert performance.
Colin Jacobsen, Co-Artistic Director with Eric – and first chair violin – led the last number of the first act with his piece Sheriff’s Freud. It was a rousing number with an Americana feel for the orchestra’s conclusion of this pioneer inspired set. As I realize this group might be a bohemian version of a classical ensemble – I fantasize about being invited to one of their parties in Brooklyn.
The second act features Thile’s original composition of ATTENTION! – and it indeed gets the audience’s attention. He starts the show grounding himself with the Pete Seger song “Little Bird”. A song that would be refrained with the audience singing in unison at the conclusion of his song cycle. There is the telling of a harmonica / mandolin dual with John Popper, there is the story of a genuflected serenade for Carrie Fischer and her male guest, and a very silly conclusion to meeting an idol while pitching music to a Starbucks rep.
It is an entertaining and giggle worthy story wrapped in an adorable Chris Thile package with The Knights providing the essential soundtrack. A unique opportunity to see worlds blend, the audience showed appreciation with a standing ovation at the end of the show.
Troy Music Hall is bringing Chris back in March with Nickel Creek. And their Chromatic Concerts series hosts world class, innovative classical music programs. Whether you are new to the genre, or a seasoned fan – this venue offers acoustics literally DESIGNED for classical music! If you’re interested in their future programs or becoming a subscriber so you get the best access to future events, visit: https://www.troymusichall.org/support-us/
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