When Swing Was King (68K PDF)
This compilation of selections from the Dixieland and Swing eras includes energetic music and lively audience interaction.
"The concert was loose and fun, but Topilow's playing, as well as Hesse's vocals and the playing of the orchestra and its several soloists, made it a vibrant, joyful musical experience." - South Bend Tribune, May 8, 2005
A Salute to Hollywood (62K PDF)
An evening of the music of the movies is brought to life with familiar music from The Wizard of Oz through the latest Star Wars score. A popular movie trivia quiz administered by the maestro adds to the fun.
"Bracingly paced, Saturday's show mixed music with engaging comic turns by the conductor. Resplendent in a red silk waistcoat, bow tie and evening wear, Topilow led the audience through a movie trivia quiz and bantered with good-natured hecklers. He encouraged the audience—and the musicians—to let their hair down and enjoy the big sounds that only an orchestra can deliver." - New Orleans Times Picayune, January 24, 2005
The Music of Spain and Italy (56K PDF)
Audiences thrilled to the music of these two Mediterranean countries in an evening of music from Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez to O Sole Mio.
"This being a Cleveland Pops concert, however, there had to be at least one moment for some of Topilow's trademark clarinet playing. Topilow eschewed his regular licorice stick for a plastic instrument in the Italian tricolor of red, white and green for Ralph Herman's "Italian Fiesta," a medley that included such bewhiskered standards as 'Santa Lucia,' 'Torna a Surriento' and that inevitable ode to the vertical railway, 'Funiculi, Funicula.' " - Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 28, 2003
A Salute to the Armed Forces (68K PDF)
Starting in May 2001, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra has presented an annual tribute to our armed forces. These concerts have been played to large and appreciative audiences, and are moving and inspiring events.
"Topilow's third annual 'Salute to Our Armed Forces' Saturday at the State Theatre contained about two dozen pieces, the fine Riverside Youth Chamber Choir, a handful of soloists and a veteran who told of his wartime experiences with a beloved dog. It was stirring, touching and exuberant."
"Topilow whipped up plenty of excitement in the purely orchestral works, including Dudley Buck's Mendelssohn-inspired 'Festive Overture on The Star-Spangled Banner' and Bruce Broughton's rousing 'American Hero.' " - Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 28, 2003
In Love With Love - A Concert for Valentine's Day (63K PDF)
The Cleveland Pops Orchestra's Valentine's Day concerts have featured vocalists and instrumentalists in music of love and romance, both entertaining and engaging.
"The program opened with conductor Carl Topilow playing a red clarinet and leading the orchestra in Rodgers and Hart's 'My Funny Valentine.' The orchestra's smooth tone and pace created a relaxing atmosphere in the hall that lingered throughout the evening." - Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 16, 2004
