Arts Review: Napa Valley Museum's Date with the Devil Exhibition

The following review was contributed by Christina Merzona for the Napa Valley Collection, a program of Arts Council Napa Valley in partnership with Visit Napa Valley.  Find out more about local arts and culture attractions visit NapaValleyCollection.com.

On Stravinksky's The Soldier's Tale presented by Music in the Vineyards at Napa Valley Museum's Date with the Devil Exhibit

Hailed as rhythmically complicated and an extremely difficult piece to perform, the modern sounds of Stravinsky’s’ masterpiece (The Soldier's Tale) range from both light and whimsical to strong and steady. We follow a weary soldier (Scott Beasley) on his march home, who stops for the moral uplifting his fiddle will bring. Instead, he is met with a choice presented by the Devil (Rick Eldredge) himself.  His passion for the fiddle in exchange for all the wealth one can imagine. This choice of passion vs. greed slips the soldier into the arms of devil, an embrace he will be struggling with for the rest of his life. The choice seems a good one until the soldier realizes how empty his life truly is. The love of a princess (Julia Hynote) is introduced, and the soldier no longer feels empty and his passions are once again ignited.

The fire burning within the devil would make it difficult for anyone to say no. Rick Eldredge does an excellent job captivating the audience’s imagination. This devil with a big personality overpowers the easily distracted soldier who seems to lose his path in life often. Our lives are defined by the choices we make, even if it’s a life-long battle, the solider within us must keep fighting against greed for love and passion.

A wonderful show overall, by conductor Thomas Conlin in front of a full house. After the performance we are left to mingle, sip wine, and enjoy the Date with the Devil themed art hung around the gallery. There were many interesting pieces; my top 3 are:

1.     “Lost” by Oscar Aguilar, Oil on Canvas

2.     “Voices” by Arminee Chahbaziah, Mixed Media

3.     “Untitled” by Jennifer Perlmutter, Oil on Canvas

A Date With The Devil at the Napa Valley Museum on view until September 29, 2013.  Visit napavalleymuseum.org for tour information.  

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