The Planets at the CSO.

[sechan19]

This was the most exquisite performance of the piece that I have ever seen. The conductor directed it with the utmost deliberation and care, and the performers displayed incredible precision in their playing--giving the piece tension and subtly in its tone, rhythm, and volume. For perhaps the first time, I heard every nuance of that marvelous piece. I heard it the way it was meant to be played.

I've always considered The Planets my favorite piece of classical music, and the opportunity to hear it played by a world-class orchestra at the peak of their performance reinforced that.

One further thing about the piece was brought home to me last night. I've seen it several times, in several different places, and I own a fine recording of it. Therefore, I know it well.

The little Japanese boys sitting behind me, ranging in age from perhaps seven to twelve, had never seen it before. Observing their excitement and wonder, and sometimes shock, when a particular instrument would suddenly sweep into the melody, gave me a chance to experience it through their eyes and almost hear it for the first time again.

As we were leaving, one little boy exclaimed to his father, zenzen wakaranakatta kedo, sugeiyo! ("I didn't understand at all, but it was awesome!") When I heard this piece for the first time... some fifteen or so years ago... I felt much the same way.

Comments

[foxxydancr.livejournal.com]

that's a really nice story, and made me smile. thanks. :)

[reteva.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked. You doing okay?

[foxxydancr.livejournal.com]

plodding along. spent all weekend at the library and got 15 pages written for the Hell Paper. Also, learned that I HATE Portishead. apparently it moves me to violent anger. Who know??

[reteva.livejournal.com]

Really? Have you heard Three? It's off-the-hook awesome.