Oh yeah, that new dress I bought a few months back!
*Tries on dress*
Nope! Those few, eh hmm...LOTS of extra pounds I've put on makes this look more like a freak 'em dress than symphony attire. I could hear the seams screaming! Eeek!
Somehow I managed to squeeeeeze (extra e's intentional) into an off white according skirt and an off the shoulders velvet top, whew...crisis averted! Note to self: diet starts Monday!
My date and I were escorted to our seats, a cocktail and a few neighborly introductions later, the show began. The opening act or cello concerto (fancy huh) was by John-Henry Crawford, cellist. I had no idea what to expect, but it was quite entertaining and quite beautiful. There was a "jazzy" feel to John-Henry's music. I often caught myself wanting to bob my head and get into groove of it, but after a quick glance around at stiff heads, I decided to keep my inner-jig to myself. I regret this now.
For the most part, the music told you when a movement was over and clapping could begin. At other times, it wasn't quite so clear. Just when you thought a piece was over, another burst of music would start. I did NOT want to be that one person who claps out of turn, so I carefully watched the conductor, Michael Butterman, waiting for his finishing cue but eventually ended up waiting until everyone else started. Better safe than embarrassed, LOL!
Being the scatterbrained, daydreamer that I am, I felt very unsure about how far my mind may, or may not, wander during the performances. Don't laugh, but at times, the music would send my imagination to a cartoon chase scene or an action scene in a movie. It was the perfect backdrop to the imaginary movies playing out in my head.
Let's talk about the musician's movements. You know, that expressive movement of the head and/or body that happens when the musician is really into the music? Yes, THAT! I caught myself chuckling several times at one musician in particular. He was so animated (for lack of a better term) that I thought was going to leap from his chair but I loved every bit of it! I also loved watching the percussionist -- I never knew or maybe never realized that a triangle of short beat of a drum, played such an important role at adding a layer of depth to a musical piece.
All in all, the music and experience were both beautiful. Never thought I'd attend or better yet enjoy the symphony. I left feeling a little bit more cultured and appreciative of the genre. I would definitely go again!
Shina,not only are your blogs amazingly interesting,and well written,I am so glad you were my date to the Symphony.
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