Thank Goodness we are All Different
February 4th, 2009Last Saturday 20 of us went to a concert at the Festival Hall. Here are just some of the comments that were made:
“I’m sorry but I always cry when I hear that”
“It’s not for me it just went round and round”
“What is it about Russian composers that make them produce such passionate music”
“So much better than Tchaikovsky, I can’t stand his music”
The Festival Hall was packed, not a spare seat in the house. Tugan Sokhiev directed the Philharmonia Orchestra through, what was for me, a simply exquisite programme.
Starting off with a short piece by Rimsky-Korsakov that I did not know, the full orchestra swept the hall away to warmer climes with Capriccio espagnol. However this was just the warm up for what was to follow. Nikolai Deidenko then performed Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The fact that he is now a British citizen has not in any way diluted his ability to interpret the music from his birthplace. No British reserve here. The unabashed romanticism of the slow movement was given full rein and followed by the final movement of frivolous joy.
After the interval we were treated to Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2. It is too long but the wonderfully lush harmonies of the Adagio mean you can forgive this. Sokhiev drew out to maximum effect the full sentimentality of the piece without crossing that thin line and making it corny. The woodwind all deserve special praise.
People are a constant source of amazement to me. Why do so many insist on rushing out of the hall while the orchestra are taking their bow? If you are so intent on leaving, how can you enjoy the music? One or two may have a train to catch but most just seem to want to get out. Calm down and enjoy the experience I say. I also find it fascinating that people can have such different reactions to the same thing. The ones I feel sorry for are those that have no reaction at all. Thankfully I do not know many of those.
professional individuals for using and raising these matters in the court of law and getting a
Hello there, simply was aware of your weblog through Google, and located that it’s truly informative. I am going to be careful for brussels. I will appreciate when you proceed this in future. A lot of people might be benefited from your writing. Cheers!