The Boston Symphony Orchestra is one of the most historical groups that was created in Boston Massachusetts. The Boston Symphony Orchestra Andris Nelsons’ Inaugural Concert took place in September of 2014. The concert was aired on television in May of 2015. The concert was dedicated to welcoming the new director of the Boston Symphony. The concert took place in one of the most proclaimed orchestra halls simply named Boston Hall. The complete orchestra was directed by Andris Nelsons himself. Along the side of the orchestra, his wife Kristine Opolais a soprano, joined him on the stage. A young man named Jonas Kaufmann, a tenor also joined them as well. Andris Nelsons will be the 15th director over the Boston Symphony, his reputation is as most …show more content…
renowned conductors on the scene today. His distinguished name was established with several opera and podium performances. The concert started off with “Overture to Tannhauser” by Wagner. The tempo of the piece started off very slow but increased as it progressed. The volume was fairly medium as it did have some high parts when the harmony was being done. By the end of the piece, the texture is smoothed out nicely. Jonas Kaufmann took the stage with the symphony as they performed together “In Fernem Land” from Lohengrin, Act III by Wagner also. The rhythm from the beginning was very easy to keep up with and identify. When Kaufmann’s vocals came into place, his volume and harmony with the orchestra was kept very much synchronized. The overall form was a success as the tenor finished quite strong. After Jonas Kaufmann, Andris Nelsons’ wife Kristine Opolais, a soprano, walked upon the symphony. The next tune was “Prelude and Licbestod” from Tristan und Isolde, also by Wagner. It appeared as if Ms. Opolais was not going to perform just yet. About halfway through the song she stood up and her beautiful voice was used at full potential. The texture and volume in her voice was flawless with lots of astonishment. The form created images as if you are surrounded by a peaceful scenery in paradise. The smooth tone slightly fades out as the song was being finished. Jonas Laufmann is welcomed back as he performs “Mamma, quel vino e generoso” from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni. His vocals were also impressive as much as Kristine’s. The rhythm with Jonas and the symphony was very on point with great transitions. The melody at the end was something brilliant and memorable. Kristine Opolais returned this time with a wardrobe changes.
The first dress she wore was a shade close to magenta. This time she was wearing a blue similar to navy. I think the color had something to do with the mood of the selected songs to come. The piece “Un Beldi” from Madama Butterfly, Act II by Puccini was performed. Her volume this time seemed like it was taken to another level. The pitch got higher and higher as if she was capable of breaking a glass. Intermezzo was introduced by Mascagni after the Puccini piece. It was very song a quite short for a song selection. I believe this one was done for intermission …show more content…
purposes. This time the tenor and the soprano take the stage performing “Tu, tu amore?
Tu?” by Puccini. Kristine comes in strong as Jonas follows right behind her. The two powerhouses put together a peaceful and complex form. Andris Nelsons welcomed all of the attending guests at the end of the piece. He insists on putting on a short encore with the two vocalists. The both of them lastly perform “O Soave Fanciulla” by Puccini. It was well done and both performers bowed to the audience as the audience clapped with much satisfaction. Andris Nelsons continues with a couple more pieces from him and the symphony. The piece titled “The Pines of the Villa Borghese” was performed. The melody brought images of the wizard like sounds from the magical Harry Potter. The piano and clarinet players had a lot of attention on them from the cameras. The two instruments put together a very sophisticated texture and form. The Boston Symphony Orchestra was a group I just did not know that was out there in the beginning. The opportunity to explore such a historical symphony will make me continue to explore others. I thought it was absolutely inspiring that Andris Nelsons had his wife perform along his claimed orchestra. It showed lots of long lasting love for music in a couple. The symphony itself is honored to have Andris Nelsons as a
conductor.
The next work of the program, Courtly Airs and Dances, is a multi-movement work composed by Ron Nelson. The piece is split into six movements: Intrada, Basse Danse, Pavane, Saltarello, Sarabande, and Allemande. Each of these present distinct characteristics that separate it from each other movement, yet all are united by being a style of dance. The first movement, Intrada, presents a fanfare-like opening to the multi-movement work. The trumpets and brass section as a whole lead this, as they create a sense of nobility. The key is major and the tempo is one that could be described as allegretto—it is not a fast tempo, yet more brisk than an andante pace. The texture is homophonic, as there are different parts being performed by different
I was impressed by the range of the pieces that were performed as they were from 18th century classical symphony arrangements to contemporary techno pieces. However, the pieces that moved me most were Mozart’s Molto Allegro, Oaken Sky by Chris Rogerson and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. In hindsight, I am surprised that the two pieces from the Classical Era had such an impact on me. Perhaps, “classical” pieces were what I expected to hear at a Symphony. Oaken Sky evoked the most imagery for me and the conductor’s introduction of the piece was perhaps partly responsible for my ability to go from the earth to the sky in my mind’s eye. Oaken Sky was definitely a pleasant surprise and very pleasing to all of my senses. I was fully engaged in body, mind and soul with Rogerson’s composition. Cielito Lindo was interesting and the soloist really enhanced the piece with a stellar performance. Warehouse Medicine caused an incongruent stirring in me; perhaps I was not prepared for electronics to be added to the symphony. Ravel’s composition, Le Tombeau de Couperin, was a moving piece, but did not engage my senses, only my intellect. This work essentially left me feeling confused and although I appreciated the description of the dedication of the work by the composer, this was my least favorite piece. The “CPCC” soloist, Juan Caljero’s, rendition of Cileito Lindo was mesmerizing. Charlotte
Following the first intermission the musicians performed Magnificant by Mohaycn, Ave Maria op 12 by Brahms, Magnificant by Vaughan Williams, and Canticle of Mary by Larson. Nancy Menk was the conductor, Judith Von Houser's voice was the soprano and Mary Nessinger the Mezzo-soprano. The first three sections were settings of the magnificant text all for women's of tremble voices and orchestra. This recital was more dramatic due to the addition of the precussion that added a yelling sound in the end of the last section Canticle of Mary which portrayed Mary's free spirit. Also they played a solovin oboe Manificant by Williams.
Stravinsky, who is a composer, explains that conductors play a role that is un-necessary and that the credit they are given is extremely higher that what they should be getting compared to the orchestra/ band who are actually playing the music. This is exemplified not only by his eloquence, but also his ability to characterize his ideas through imagery. In this statement “The successful conductor can be an incomplete musician, but he must be a complete angler. His first skill has to be power politics” and “the conductor is encouraged to impose a purely egotistical, false, and arbitrary authority… accorded a position out of all proportion to his real value in the musical.” Both of these statements exemplifies the way he phrases his words which also
...ers and the audience. The dramatic nature of this piece alone is something to be reckoned with as it is extremely passionate. The symphony is presented in 4 movements as is common and begins with a Poco Sostenuto- Vivace, followed by a Allegretto movement, Presto movement, and finally ends on an Allegro con brio movement. the central theme of this piece is introduced in the first movement by a flute playing in tripple meter continuously ascending up the scales rising in dynamic contrast, continuing to grow into a louder and more stark contrast between it’s highs and lows. Consistently dance like, the piece is celebratory of its roots buried in historical Austrian music that has been present in the culture for years. The accomplishments of the soldiers for which the piece was composed for are easily told of simply by the energy and power present throughout the piece.
I have been to many different concerts throughout my life but this year I experienced two exceptionally unique ___ that I had never seen before. The first one was a spectacular chamber recital that took place at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed by pianist Yefim Bronfman and violist-violinist Pinchas Zukerman. The program included Schubert's Violin Sonatina No. 2 in A Minor, Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, and Brahms’ Viola Sonata No. 1 in F Minor. The second was a performance by the notable quartet “Anonymous 4” presented by the Universality of Chicago at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. The program included a series of medieval French motets from the 13th Century French polyphony, taken from the Montpellier Codex. The two performances were extremely different in nature and but at the same time very similar in what they were trying to achieve. For instance, while the first concert consisted entirely of an instrumental performance, the other was exclusively vocal. However, both were able to bring to life great examples of iconic artists from our past. I left both c...
...xcited to have this experience. Part of the drama of the concert at first is felt when the musicians come in and sit down and begin tuning up their instruments. I would not be able to comment on the performance of the orchestra. During the performance, I seen the audience were moving with the music, but I felt like that everyone seems knows more music than what I learned throughout this semester. After I went home and did some of the research on these music I finally understand why these people like to attend the orchestra concerto, it was because that every piece of music has a history behind it. The Los Angeles audience seemed to me to be people who know music and who will listen to something new in a respectful way. All the same, when the more familiar sounds of the last piece were heard, I could feel a little sense of relaxation and fun coming into the room.
The music, which was composed and conducted by Thomas Newman also includes orchestrations by Thomas Pasatieri. Featured musical soloists include George Doering, Michael Fisher, Rick Cox, Sid Paige, Steve Kujala, Jon Clarke, George Budd, and Bill Bernstein.
...ope, to show his children the many Scandinavian countries. He introduced them to the languages and cultures he learned during his time in school. Upon his return he guest conducted with the New Haven, New Britain, and Hartford Symphonies. Also, he worked on the boards of the New Haven and Hartford Symphonies. Anderson served as manager of the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra.
The first movement, I would like to discuss is the Canzon duodecimi toni and Sonata pian’e forte, by Giovanni Gabrieli (1557-1612). In this performance, the texture of this piece was very polyphonic and homophonic with a variety of timbre colors. The dynamics was loud and soft in the Sonata pian’e forte. The form of this piece was in Sonata form; which had four part bass choirs, each stationed on opposite sides of the hall playing toward one another. I noticed during this performance the performers did not have a composer to direct them. The harmony of this performance was well balance and effective. I think this was a great opening piece to indulge the audience’s attention.
The Symphony Orchestra concert was preformed by The OU School of Music with Jonathan Shames as a conductor and they presented Sutton Concert Series. In addition, the Orchestra concert performed at Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall in October 12, 2015.There were like forty-one performers on the stage including the conductor using different types of instruments and and all of them were wearing a nice black clothes. The stage was a quite large with wooden floor and there were two floors for the audience with a comfortable seating. However, all the performers were on round shape and against the conductor.
...alonen. Symphony: Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. New York: Harry N. Abrams Inc. Publishers, 2003.
His friend, Johann Peter Salomon, a concert producer and violinist made an offer to Haydn to come and perform in London, England. Salomon drafted a contract that promised Haydn £200 for the rights to publish, £300 for the symphony itself, and £200 for the profits that were made at the concert . After getting approval from Prince Anton of Esterhazy, Haydn traveled with Salomon to London. Haydn, however, did not have any new work to present to the audience, so he went to work creating his first London Symphony (No. 93) in 1791 . In March of 1791, Salomon, after multiple delays, created a series that starred multiple works of Haydn, including his newest symphony. When advertising the series, the audience that Salomon and Haydn were attracting were a mixture of an economic and social structure. The announcements were directed towards “Nobility and Gentry” in London. Some middle class often attended the series, but never the working class. In the late 18th century, tickets in London cost ten shillings, which was enough to buy a turkey or two plucked ducks . Overall, the decision to spend the few years in London, the satisfaction that Haydn had “untapped a spring of creative life within him” . The audience that did attend the concert series helped Haydn discover how to attract them in future
Joseph Haydn is regarded as one of the greatest composers of the classical period. He is often called the father of both the symphony and the string quartet, and he founded what is known as the Viennese classical school, which consisted of himself, his friend, Wolfgang Mozart, and his pupil, Ludwig van Beethoven. During his lifetime, he produced a mind-boggling amount of music. He lived from the end of the baroque period to the beginning of the romantic period, and presided over the transition between them.