A nuclear explosion
That's how CSO music director Paavo Jarvi described "The Rite of Spring" in his pre-recorded "First Notes" Friday night.
Did you agree?
The review that will be in tomorrow's paper did not have enough space to mention a very touching tribute to three violists in the orchestra who are retiring, delivered by percussionist Richard Jensen. (His eloquent words should be reprinted...)
The retirees -- about a quarter of the viola section -- are Mark Cleghorn, a member of the orchestra since 1963; Joseph Somogyi, who joined in 1970; and Raymond Stilwell, a member since 1971. The audience gave them a standing ovation.
Here's a link to the review.
posted by Janelle Gelfand at 11:50 PM
10 Comments:
at 5/03/2008 12:55:00 AM 
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at 5/05/2008 08:16:00 AM 
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at 5/05/2008 12:16:00 PM 
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at 5/05/2008 12:37:00 PM 
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at 5/05/2008 12:54:00 PM 
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at 5/05/2008 04:27:00 PM 
Janelle Gelfand said...
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at 5/05/2008 11:05:00 PM 
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at 5/06/2008 09:37:00 PM 
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at 5/07/2008 08:19:00 AM 
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at 5/08/2008 09:00:00 AM 
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Post a Comment*I don't think he meant the piece sounds like a nuclear explosion. I think he meant that Rite forever altered the musical landscape.
I was there for Saturday night's performance. The house was full, as it should be more often. The performance of the "Rite of Spring" was riveting. 97 years later, it's still making audiences sit up and take notice.
I agree that Dick Jensen's commentary should be printed. His breezy delivery made charming what could have been a cloying farewell.
And when did the orchestra start to face the hall (and smile) when standing at the end of performances? Nice touch.
I was also at the concert on Saturday and it was the best one of the season. The orchestra as well as the audience itself seemed to thrive on the fact that the hall was so full . You could see some of the musicians checking out the balconey and gallery during the course of the evening.
The honoring of all the retirees both musicians and management added a bit of sentimentality for the last concert of the season. A lot of experience is walking out the door at the same time.
The after concert food, music, and CD signing added a lot to top off an evening spent out at the symphony. Maybe this is something that should be done more often during the course of the season rather than waiting till the last concert.
I also noted the orchestra turning and facing the audience at the end of the concert. It was a very nice touch. I wondered if it was picked up on the recent European tour.
Steve Deiters/Oakley
That final concert was deeply moving; concerts like this are the reason I go to live performances rather than stay at home listening to my CDs. These last two, after the European tour, were particularly impressive: I think that, far from being exhausted, the musicians returned more confident than ever.
And, btw, I can't remember the last time I heard a contemporary piece of classical music so beautiful as Robert Johnson's prairyerth on Saturday night.
I agree with all of the previous comments. The musicians started turning toward the audience a few months ago - at some point around the middle of the season.
You're right. They have done it on international tours, but they started doing it at home earlier this year. I kind of like it, especially when they smile... In Europe, they made the "Viennese Philharmonic entrance," vacating the stage a half hour before the concert and entering all together, to applause. I thought that was a nice touch, but there was one incident where a violist got beaned by a music stand that was knocked over as they came in, and after that they stopped doing it.
The Saturday night closing was a 3100 crowd of many who had leftover coupons from some icy nights and this was last time to use them.
Yes the musicians have been facing the audience for months now, thanks to a newly hired p.r. gal
and now wish she would get some staff to smile- greet people pleasantly.
There are backstage folks who are tired of the customers who come down for a lovely evening of music and joy in seeing others enjoy.
Maybe there will be a clean sweep when the new hired mgr comes to replace Mr. Monder.
There are many ways to influence people and if a smile helps let them try it.
Beautiful music followed by a chill takes away the lasting effect.
Yes the Robert Johnson
composition was perfect for a thrilling closing of a stirring season. It was heartfelt music that we need more often, and to honor a local writer is worth the effort.
See all the happy people again next year?? eM=M
Yes, I'm afraid I agree with the last message; I work down there, and am completely unimpressed by a majority of the CSO management. Timid, incompetent, deadwood.
From the top management to ushers.
To the two previous posters...Ouch!. It is time for something bold to happen in Over-the-Rhine and I'm not talking about a street car. Hopefully the board of directors will pick a dynamic leader who can bring some fresh ideas to the table and who can help reinvent this thing. My hopes are high, but my expectations are low.
I have regular dealings with the staff and management of the CSO (I'm not a member of the orchestra, nor am I employed by them), and I have been consistently impressed by the dedication of the people there. There has never been a lack of smiles, either.
On Saturday night, I noticed ushers being helpful and cheerful.
What concert were you at?
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