Well! Let me say that the experience was enormous, it was thoroughly enjoyed, and looking forward to a similar experience in the future. I had never been to the Orange County Performing Arts Center the structures was not what I expected, The large building with masterful architecture drew you in making you curious what was event was taking place in each hall. It was a very welcoming environment which helped ease the apprehension of entering the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. As I entered and picked up my ticket, the usher were helpful, and the patrons seemed to be enjoying their conversations prior to the concert, very relaxed and enjoying the moment. I was surprised there was no hint superciliousness from the gathering of what I could tell, and instead of being dressed in tuxedos, it was a relaxed dress for the most part.
Making my way to the to my seat, as I entered the hall it was very impressive, covered in wood not sure what type, but positive it selected for acoustics and the red tapestry that covered the seats added to the beauty a very nice combination of décor. I have been in halls before and I was looking for the old style gilded balconies and very dark. Far from that it was a very modern and airy as well as pleasant on the eyes. I felt fortunate to sit right above the orchestra, gave a vantage point to see the expressions of the conductor giving you an idea of his passion for the pieces selected. The orchestra in my opinion played flawlessly.
Christian Knapp the last minute replacement due to the second replacement illness was perfect choice for a replacement for my first concert at this hall. He gave an excellent performance, he brought to mind what it means to lead and share his passion so that it flows into their [the orchestra] music. His résumé seemed impressive playing around the world and training with some very prestigious names such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Itzhak Perlman, Nadja Solerno-Sonnenberg just to name a few. He shared the glory and applauded players who had a key role in the various pieces. His ability to follow the lead of Alexander Toradze playing the piano to make the piano concerto by Prokofiev work spoke volumes. Taking the time to have fun as they performed totally involved the audience. He took the time to explain the Stravinsky’s Petrushka though it could be read, not sure that it this takes place each time, but it does help to follow from what I could tell music that was complicated to put together.
The orchestra again did a wonderful job which seemed flawless, sitting above and listening observing when key instruments were cued, they did not miss the prompt, making the music flow. It was interesting listening for certain instruments and understanding that it takes much skill to do what they do. Reflecting back on Alexander Toradze performance, it was incredible that he played from memory such a long piece and the orchestra through the guidance of Christian Knapp followed suit. All the while have fun doing it. Their laughter created laughter in the rest of us.
Lastly to speak to this course I am happy that I chose this as an elective. Over the last few weeks, having the opportunity to experience various artistic performances that I have not been accustom to in quite some time has been awakened and look forward to enjoying more frequently. The understanding that it pays dividends to read about the music you will listen to in order to be attentive to the certain sounds. Key instruments and the imaginations of the composer by mimicking life through instruments to create a beautiful sound and a vibrant story are awesome! Music that has been composed over hundreds of years stills has the ability to touch the soul of men an inspire many to do great things through music continuously being played as the masters wrote it so long ago.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has never took a course to learn more about music. You come away with a great appreciation for what music is really all about. Another form of telling a story, and how instruments over time have evolved, and that no matter how much technology improves you cannot achieve what the Master has created in humans to take a piece of wood and strings and create a instrument to produce a sound that could never be replicated by machine. Or taking a look at a story, poem or various scenarios and compose music to illustrate that moment of story in time. Yes I would highly recommend this course it was a pleasure to take.
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