The Pittsburgh Symphony 2018 session opened this weekend
with Juanjo Mena conducting.
I have ventured to the POPS in the past but I was now ready to experience the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) in the more "classical
sense". I love the ballet, The Firebird (I even saw the movie), so I was ready to enjoy the flight in Stravinsky's
composition for his first ballet in 1910. There also was a lot more to this program and I was excited
to also experience my first flute concerto with Principle Flutist Lorna McGhee in this classical musical evening.
Reflection
On the night of the performance, Pittsburgh was in the midst of an ice
storm so I was leery about venturing out, but I am so glad that I did because
this classical musical experience was
more than relaxing, it was transforming. I came to hear The Firebird
(Igor Stravinsky) but I fell in
love with the opening composition, Printemps (Claud Debussy), which was a PSO
premiere of this work. The music was like a wave with different volumes that rolled as it speed
up and slowed down, yet it remained sweet and breezy. As I listened, I was
transformed to a field, like in the top of the mountain scene from The Sound of Music. Ok, I don’t really know
the “classical terms” but it was so beautiful (using horns and the harp) that it
was the perfect sound to combat the gray skies and the impending sleet
which was starting outside of the theater.
I have to admit the light and high pitched sound of a flute has
never been my favorite sounding instrument until I heard what Lorna McGhee produced
from it as she performed Concerto for
Flute and Orchestra (Jacque Ibert). She played the flute fast then even faster at a feverish pace and
then the flute was smooth and swayed. It was not only beautiful in conjunction with the strings of the orchestra but to me amazing! This part had the audience standing
and asking for more which she did in an encore.
Then there was Juanjo Mena, the guest
conductor (chief conductor of the BBC Philharmonic in Manchester, United Kingdom)
who was mesmorizing to watch. He almost danced with the music and I wanted to join him in a waltz to some of it. I actually
think I swayed in my seat a bit but I am a dancer at heart. At times I could
see the animation in his face which made me excited for the next part of the music or to see what instruments that he would conduct next. [LA1]
I enjoyed all this even before I even heard what I came to hear, The Firebird. The Firebird
was striking as it starts off a
little mysterious - then it bounces just
like a bird which is the subject of the ballet. I watched a little girl, no more than 8
years of age, sitting directly in front of me as she mimicked the instruments
in the music. I think she, like me, was transformed with it all and I will definitely
keep PSO in my survival tool box.
(You can see the PSO 2018 Season [The Firebird from
January 12 and 14, 2018] and more at pittsburghsymphony.org. )
Spiritual Source
Do not conform to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-this good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2)
Other Sources
Preintemps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZkgyIdXt44
Firebird ballet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC6MmmLKEmA
