Saturday evening + the Michigan Theater + the Ann Arbor Symphony = magic. Guaranteed. And even though I knew that going in I was still blown away from the start of this concert until the last thundering applause faded after the encore.
I’m no classical music scholar, I never took a theory class, didn’t play beyond high school until I reconnected through the community band, but I know when I’ve experienced something extraordinary. That happens every time I hear the Ann Arbor Symphony, but this weekend was beyond any expectations I could have had.
Saturday night it was all about Brahms, starting with Academic Festival composed by Brahms in response to being nominated for an honorary doctorate degree. The piece includes several student drinking songs, woven through the music. Who knew that composers back in the mid 1800’s had a sense of humor?
The second piece was The Black Swan: Intermezzo in A Major. What a stunningly beautiful piece of music. Transcripted for orchestra by Bright Sheng, a University of Michigan professor, the piece is based on Brahms’ composition for piano. It’s so beautiful you just have to listen to at least a little of it. Lush, contemplative, you can’t help but let the cares of the week slide off your shoulders as you let the music wash over you.
The last piece before intermission was Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra in A Minor, played by two amazing young musicians, Itamar Zorman on violin and David Requiro on cello. They played seamlessly, often one began the phrase and the other completed it, almost as if there was a single instrument. Such talent. They so obviously loved doing this piece, and we loved hearing it. Mr. Requiro said it was an ‘indulgent’ thing to play because the first movement begins after only a few measures with a beautiful cello solo. My favorite movement, though, was the third. Listen to a little bit of it; how playful it is. I had a stupid grin on my face through the whole thing.
And as wonderful as all that was, after intermission I fell in love with Symphony No. 1 in C Minor. Though they say Brahms was a bit intimidated by Beethoven you can hear him pay homage to the other composer in this piece. It’s beautiful, from the suspenseful beginning to the triumphant conclusion. And the Ann Arbor Symphony pulled every bit of beauty out of the music. They left nothing in reserve, put it all out there on the concert stage. The audience didn’t even wait for the last note to drift away, the applause started immediately and continued until we convinced them to play us one last encore.
Ann Arbor, you have a gem in your symphony. Every concert is astounding and leaves us shaking our heads in amazement. Even if you don’t think you like or understand this kind of music take a moment and listen to a little bit through the links above. And if that intrigues you go to one concert of your symphony next season, try a little taste, open yourself up to the possibilities. You’ll have an experience you won’t forget. It’s so much more wonderful live and your symphony is..well…there’s no other word…just magical. Attend a concert next fall, let the music take you away, overwhelm you, transform your soul if only for one evening. Go listen to the Ann Arbor Symphony and experience the magic yourself.
You won’t regret it – I promise.
April 14, 2014 at 7:43 am
You’ve reminded me that there hasn’t been much music in my life lately. Summers usually involve going to listen to the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom where we sit on the lawn, have a picnic, and let the music take us away. Because of the move, there was none of that last year. I’ll have to look into what they have around here, in this new-to-me place. Now I’m off to listen to some of the music you linked to. Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
April 14, 2014 at 8:05 am
You are welcome. Sometimes we let time slip away.
LikeLike
April 14, 2014 at 8:31 am
Bravo. Very nice way to start a rainy Morno. I haven’t been to the Chicago Symphony in ages, but I always enjoy it. I would imagine playing an instruments and performing adds to the experience.
LikeLike
April 15, 2014 at 6:59 am
I’m sure being someone that plays an instrument gives a person a bit of a different listening ear and experience, but I think anyone can appreciate how the music paints pictures inside you, or takes you away, or just distracts you for a couple hours.
LikeLike
April 14, 2014 at 9:12 am
We actually went to a concert at ASU last week – which I totally forgot to blog about. We went to see Street Corner Symphony – an archapello group.
LikeLike
April 15, 2014 at 6:58 am
Wonderful! I bet it was beautiful!
LikeLike
April 14, 2014 at 10:41 am
Sounds like a magical night for both the audience and the musicians!
LikeLike
April 15, 2014 at 6:58 am
I often wonder if the musicians feel like it’s a job…I hope not. Sure was a beautiful night for those of us listening.
LikeLike
April 14, 2014 at 2:38 pm
Ah, you’ve transported me, Dawn. Thanks for the beautiful links — this must’ve been a wonderful concert!
LikeLike
April 15, 2014 at 6:58 am
It was a stunning concert Debbie!
LikeLike
April 14, 2014 at 7:46 pm
When we lived in Miami, we used to go to student performances all the time at the university. Haven’t lived near a good venue for that since. You seriously have me contemplating a trip downstate in the fall.
LikeLike
April 15, 2014 at 6:57 am
Of course we’d love to have you down here! There’s a symphony in Traverse City too. Just in case you need a fix closer to home. http://www.traversesymphony.org/concerts-tickets#.U00QVVca3JU
LikeLike
April 15, 2014 at 9:06 am
Thanks for sharing Dawn! I went and checked it out immediately. We’ll be doing that soon!!
LikeLike
April 15, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Many thanks for the links, Dawn, and I will surely listen — but not just now, as I am playing a CD of “Beethoven for Book Lovers”! Sound silly? It’s actually quite nice.
LikeLike
April 15, 2014 at 6:40 pm
Sounds nice!
LikeLike
April 16, 2014 at 7:55 pm
One of the things I miss most about my beloved Detroit is the DSO. We used to go every Thursday, all season long. It was the highlight of the week.
LikeLike
April 16, 2014 at 9:12 pm
Every Thursday? WOW! That’s wonderful! I have to say I’ve never gone to the DSO, though I’ve heard ads for some concerts I’d love to attend.
LikeLike
April 16, 2014 at 7:57 pm
P.S. My friend Carol the Organist/Choir Director used to urge me to listen to Brahms, and I never really did. I suppose I must now. I’ll tell her you finally pushed me over the edge. She’ll like that.
LikeLike
April 16, 2014 at 9:12 pm
I’m glad. Just listen to a little…you’ll like it I think.
LikeLike