Masterworks Concert

Attending the Masterworks concert was a pleasant surprise! This truly was an eye-opening experience, reason for this is preparation by studying and reading about etiquette attire and learning about the music truly provided great insight. Though the setting was not like a huge formal concert hall, for my first time out it was perfect. Arriving twenty minutes early and having the privilege to sit beside wonderful lady who gave her insight about the Masterwork concerts and informing me that she had been attending for several years. However, normally during the Christmas masterworks concerts which she commented very enthusiastically in a low tone. Much of what she has shared with me had been covered in my readings and that was a nice affirmation that I retained and was able to follow the conversation appropriately.

The Masterworks concert series program had “The Conversion of Saul” by Benjamin West which was very appropriate. A timely portrait for music that it timeless, though it was mentioned that the program was not necessarily used to follow in the large concert halls because of the lighting, it work nicely for myself to follow along as each scene took place as the different key group or individual song their piece with such clarity and depth and range. It truly was a treat to hear the chorus, soprano, tenor and bass sing lead by the conductor, observing his gentle approach to orchestrating the music with soft waves of his hands opposed to the sharp and abrupt gestures that you see in many movies depicting conductors waving the magic wand. No it was very respectful how everyone conducted themselves.

Patricia Prunty the soprano was amazing! To sing with such range and clarity it was exhilarating it made me want to hear her in other songs just to see how much variation she had on any given piece. Alvin Brightbill the tenor looked the part and gave and awesome performance on his various pieces. Jinyoung Jang the bass was shocking, thought to myself, that passing him on the street, you would never think that this particular person had such a deep voice. The combination of the choir, master chorale and orchestra complimented each other with the different ranges in between the music and notes of that where song. Most pleasant, to hear the coming together as one seamlessly melodic sound soothing the ears of their audience and giving true meaning to the words composed by Felix Mendelssohn.

Hearing biblical scripture put to words, was another first, perhaps I have heard it over the years but never really page full attention to what was said as if I knew. But as the say “knowing is half the battle” understanding the words and what was song about this in my mind was a challenging endeavor the Felix Mendelssohn took on to combine words and music to and have them expressed in depth, was awesome to hear. I look forward to the next two concerts and how they will affect and influence me when it comes to the masters. Appreciation of these and others in their class is something worthwhile to study and learn to appreciate more and more.