subject: The Symphony – A Unique Place in Time without a Colored Violin [print this page] The Symphony A Unique Place in Time without a Colored Violin
My wife and I received a special treat recently, when invited to attend the Dallas Symphony, and as a result of our hostess being honored that evening, were seated in "Box A" of the hall which places you at the very front of the auditorium just above the stage and orchestra.
From this vantage point, the Conductor and Musicians movements are very apparent, as is the music itself. The program conducted by Jaap van Zweden, originally from the Netherlands, included a varied selection of music by Tchaikovsky of Russia, Mozart of Austria and Ravel of France and included a duet of pianos and four hands.
Not only was the music fascinating, but also the motions of the Conductor, lunging forward to motivate the musicians, and synchronized movements of the musicians, violin bows moving in exact timing with each other.
Following the intermission, the stage was set with dual grand pianos, with two teenage blond brother pianists, Lucas and Arthur Jussen of Amsterdam, although not twins appeared to be physically, and by their synchronized music on the two pianos.
Tchaikovsky, it seems, although from Russia, revered the music of Mozart of Austria, I thought interesting for that era, without benefit of the Internet, or radio to hear the musical pieces of other composers.
As the symphony continued although dramatic and breathtaking, I began to reflect on the different instruments in the orchestra compared to pop music of today. Although the trumpet instruments, woodwind instruments and violins were the centerpiece of the orchestra, I wondered where were the acoustic electronic guitar, keyboard synthesizer, acoustic electric bass guitar with its bass amplifier, so evident in music today.
As I viewed the instruments in the orchestra, it also occurred to me how interesting a brightly colored violin cluster in the strings section and trumpet instruments in a variety of colors would enhance the music with visual colorful beauty.
Thus, even though the style of music and instrumentation has changed, the symphony represents a previous age where emphasis on the unity and coordination of each musician added to the majesty of the music including the classical pianist, with the discipline and precision of each note timed perfectly, prompting the audience to virtually "hold its breath" waiting for the dynamic conclusion of the musical presentation.
So it seems, the various musical creations and instrumentation have their own place in time!
