Monday, May 30, 2005

Concerts

In Harmony 20 - James Barnes
27th May 2005

Hobart Centennial March
Festive Music for Singapore (World Premiere)
Poetic Intermezzo
Fantasy Variations
Alvamar Overture
Fifth Symphony - Phoenix

All music by James Barnes.

I think this concert went pretty well, except for some hip cups that I shall not mention.

Barnes, in my opinion, is an extremely humourous man!

A typical comment from him:

"...trombones, I'm sorry that your parts are so difficult. I understand that it's quite high for trombones to do this but, too bad!"

It got to a point on the last day of rehearsal when it got predictable that the "too bad" was coming and someone pipped in "Too bad!" before he managed to say it!

Another funny comment from him:

"No! The wind chimes are too loud!"

"This is Barnes."

*makes gentle sweeping motion with his hand*

"This is Holsinger."

*makes violent slapping motion with his hand*

Holsinger, for Reader's information, is a composer who writes extremely loud music.

Anyway, I think the concert went well. I really enjoyed myself playing for this concert. I can't remember the last time when I actually enjoyed myself so much!

Maybe it's the people in the section that I'm playing with; I haven't heard the section sound so nice for a long time.

Also, thank you all who had such kind comments for me. They are all appreciated!



Philadelphia
28th May 2005

Carnival Overture - Dvorak
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Tchaikovsky, soloist: Lang Lang
Concerto for Orchestra - Bartok

I think the orchestra started off very convincingly! The overture was played with such energy and enthusiasm from the orchestra. Nice!

The piano concerto was a bit flat though. The orchestra was good. Perhaps I was a bit hyped up by Lang's fame and reputation. Oh my goodness, he's my age and he's already so accomplished. Look at me - I'm still a struggling 3rd rate oboist. Darn.



Philadelphia
29h May 2005

Concerto for Oboe - Mozart, soloist: Richard Woodhams
Symphony No. 5 in C minor - Mahler

One word.

Wow!

I wonder where Woodhams got his stamina from! It's really phenomenal! How can anyone play the Mozart so effortlessly and continue with Mahler 5 in the second half?

I'm wondering if he came from another planet of which the inhabitants do nothing but play oboe.

The Mozart was technically very impressive. The only thing I didn't like about it was the cadenzas. They weren't quite classical. Oh well!

The first chord of the concerto was the nicest I have ever heard. The 3 basses were practically firing sonic waves at me - I was facing their sound boards directly.

The Philadelphia brass section is really strong!

Quoting a brass player friend of mine: "What can I say?"

The Mahler 5 was simply one of the best that I've heard. It was a wonderful first time for me, listening to it "live".

I wouldn't even mind going to listen to them again today again if they are playing it!

It was such an amazing experience.

Berlin, Berlin, when are you coming?
fjozn at 1:29 PM