Donna and I had a wonderful time at the Seattle Symphony this evening. The orchestra is doing the complete series of Sibelius' 7 symphonies, plus the Violin Concerto and Finlandia. Which is a wonderful way for me to cap off my 60th year. A pleasant gentleman was good enough to take our picture before the concert began; you can see some the performers on-stage behind us.
Jean Sibelius, being my second favorite composer (after Beethoven), meant that my ears were in heaven. Especially during the opening strains of the 3rd Symphony and of the Violin Concerto. Something about the opening of symphonic works just moves my spirit... Mmm-mmm!
A couple of Take-Aways for you to apply - if not today, then when the opportunity arises:
Action Today Tip #1: Go Live
There is nothing like hearing symphonic works live in a good concert hall. What the spaciousness of the hall does is let the music breathe. There are all kinds of technical factors to account for it, but the experience of it is the thing - not the explanations.
Action Today Tip #2: Don't Leave In a Hurry
When the concert ended, while most of the audience was happily giving the orchestra a much deserved standing ovation, a number of people hurried out "to beat the crowd." Turned out that they missed out. Perhaps in appreciation of having an appreciative audience, Thomas Dausgaard, the (amazing) conductor, and the orchestra played an encore piece: Sibelius' Spring Song, which garnered the performers another standing O.
Sometimes it pays to linger.
How about you? Do you enjoy classical music? Going to see a symphony live? Who are your favorite composers and maybe share one of the best you attended. Believe it or not, there's a comments section below for you to do it.
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If you enjoyed this post, I hope we can connect.
P.S. - While it's no substitute for a live performance, you can find Sibelius' works on YouTube. Below are the pieces we have heard so far in the series.
From last week's concert:
From tonight's concert:
