If you can’t go to Spain, the next best thing would be to go to Abravanel Hall for a Utah Symphony concert featuring several pieces inspired by Spain. I was able to attend such a concert last night and it was absolutely exhilarating (almost like being there). The first piece was Symphonie espagnole for Violin and Orchestra by Eduoard Lalo with guest soloist Benjamin Beilman. It was fiery and passionate and I kept seeing flamenco dancers in my mind as I listened to it, especially during the final movement. Beilman played it brilliantly and it looked like he was having so much fun. I certainly had a lot of fun watching his bow fly across the strings of his violin (it was so fast)! He received a thunderous standing ovation and then performed a beautiful encore (I didn't recognize the piece but I really liked it). After the intermission the orchestra played Maurice Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole. It was really wild and boisterous and I pictured a bull fight in my mind. Next came Habanera by Louis Aubert which was my favorite because it was so mysterious and seductive (I loved the theme played by the clarinet). This time the music reminded me of a couple dancing a sultry tango. The concert concluded with Iberia (from Images pour Orchestre) by Claude Debussy which was filled with beautiful melodies. My favorite was the third movement because it is meant to represent a carnival. I thought it was very playful and I especially enjoyed the chimes. Music has the power to transport you to another time and place and, for a few hours, I was back in Spain with the Utah Symphony! Even if your passport isn't up to date you can still get a ticket to tonight's performance (go here) and I highly recommend that you do.
No comments:
Post a Comment