An Invitation…
November 16, 2007
OK, I know you’re out there…I can’t hear you breathing, but our blog people let us know how many people look at our blog. We’d love for you to leave some comments! For example, consider these questions:
Anyone check out the Red Violin this past weekend? Anyone seen the movie? Was anyone there on Sunday for the drama of the broken violin string? I had never seen that happen before. In fact, I’ve only broken one bass string in my life, and that was because I put it on the bass wrong. It was crazy-I was playing along, and suddenly, I felt the tempo dissolve. I looked up, and there was Maestro, score in hand pointing out a spot to our soloist. This is normal for a rehearsal, not so much for a concert.
The Berlioz was fantastic. I felt both performances were a bit different and had many great things about each one. I just hope I get to play the piece again within a decade. Music students study this piece a great deal in college, but I was shocked at all the little details and features that had escaped my notice (in other words, I found out I don’t know nearly as much about this piece as I thought).
The Chamber Orchestra starts their Four Seasons concerts tonight. Alas, I cannot go, but I wish I could. Vivaldi is one of my favorite composers, the Piazzolla is a fantastic piece, and I don’t know the Tchaikovsky. These are the ingredients for a can’t miss concert for me. You should check it out, and if you do, send us a comment!
-Posted By: Braxton Ballew, who has just realized that with all the talk about String Breaking, I should probably travel with an extra set in my case for the next 7 years or so.
November 18, 2007 at 7:25 pm
I frequently read this blog, always hoping to find a new post awaiting. Thank you all for your efforts to provide insight from an “insider’s” perspective. I really appreciate everything the GSO does to enhance life in Greenville. I have grown into a huge fan and now try to attend as many concerts as possible each season.
I was in attendance during the Saturday performance of The Red Violin and noticed one of the cellists experienced a bow problem, causing him to leave stage during Berlioz. Fortunately, other than the uncomfortable pause, his absence did not seem to detract from the product - I believe it was wonderfully performed. Rachel is phenomenal! Maestro Tchivzhel was simply awesome as always. I have often found myself watching him conduct more than anything else during a concert. Greenville is extremely fortunate to have attracted his presence and leadership!