Violinist Edward Pulgar: Celebrating 20 Years with Mozart
It’s commonplace for an orchestra’s Concertmaster to perform as a featured soloist. Much less typical is when a second violinist takes center stage – as soloist and conductor, no less.
Violinist/conductor Edward Pulgar. Photo by Trianne Newbrey Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
That was the remarkable scenario I witnessed when Edward Pulgar, Principal Second Violin of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, led his KSO colleagues in an exquisite performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216. It was an apt celebration of Pulgar's 20th anniversary with the KSO and a fitting birthday salute to Mozart.
Pulgar, a violinist and conductor trained by the National Youth Orchestra System of Venezuela (currently known as "El Sistema"), had clearly rehearsed the orchestra to the point where there was not a single misstep. The ensemble was tight and disciplined yet still made room for some exquisite musical give and take.
Pulgar’s playing was nuanced and refined. And his conducting was perfection. His approach to the music was a masterclass in collaboration, always giving the musical right-of-way when it was due. His cadenzas were more contemplative than theatrical, lending each a well-earned break for musical reflection and thematic exploration.
Violinist/conductor Edward Pulgar. Photo by Trianne Newbrey Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
It is not surprising to learn that Pulgar’s mother was a singer. His playing, particularly in the slow movement, reminded us that no one can spin a vocal line quite like Mozart. By approaching the Adagio as an aria, rather than a movement, there was a sense that a story was being told – an extra dimension that typically lies squarely within the singer’s domain.
My favorite moment of the concerto was in the joyous third movement, when Pulgar and the Principal Violist had a musical back-and-forth that resulted in out-and-out grins between the two. When you can no longer contain your enthusiasm and Mozart’s music simply affords you no response other than laughter, well, those are the moments I truly love.
The ovation following the concert was wildly enthusiastic, both onstage and off. This was not only a reflection of Pulgar’s stunning performance, but also a genuine acknowledgement of the respect he enjoys in the community and within the orchestra.
Bravo, Edward! Here’s to at least 20 more years!
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Replies
A nice article. I liked the way K216 emerged as a character!
Nice.
Principal 2nd violin is an important position.
For lower budget orchestras (not Knoxville) you want the principal 2nd violin to be your second "best" player.
Jean: He will appreciate your congrats!
Richard: Thank you for reading! As for K216, I'm at a loss. Star Wars?
Joel: I was fortunate enough to sit Principal Second for a few years in college and it was my absolute favorite chair! Thanks for commenting! I agree with you entirely.
Hi Diana! I meant that if the K216 second movement is an aria then we need a character to sing it. I liked your idea very much, though I can't come up with suitable words for it, not yet anyway!
Oh, Richard, now I get it! As for the character, it seems very Countess-like to me. When the lyrics come to you, let me know!
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January 28, 2025 at 07:23 AM · Congratulations to Mr Pulgar!