Thierry Fischer Conducts Messiaen, Smetana & Sibelius 2

Even though I was not familiar with any of the pieces performed by the Utah Symphony last night, I thoroughly enjoyed the concert because each one was so stirring.  The orchestra began with The Moldau by Bedrich Smetana and this was definitely my favorite piece of the evening.  It is one of a series of symphonic poems about the composer's homeland and it is meant to represent the the course of the Moldau River as it flows through fields and woods where peasants are celebrating a wedding then past castle ruins and then into the heart of Prague (which is one of my favorite cities).  It is very atmospheric and I especially liked the theme played by the clarinet and violas, which represent the joining of two springs to become a river, and the theme played by the horns, which represent a jubilant hunting party.  Next the orchestra played two movements from Des canyons aux etoiles (From the Canyons to the Stars) by Olivier Messiaen with Utah Symphony musicians Jason Hardink on piano, Keith Carrick on xylorimba, and Eric Hopkins on glockenspiel as soloists.  This piece is inspired by the beautiful red rocks and bird song encountered by the composer during visits to Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, and Zion National Park.  I especially liked all of the percussion, particularly the wind machine and the chimes, the theme played by the piccolos, and the melodies played by the horns.  The Utah Symphony will be performing this piece in its entirety at the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater (with Zion National Park as a backdrop) in a few weeks.  The concert concluded with Symphony No. 2 by Jean Sibelius.  This piece eventually became a symbol for Finnish independence and I loved it.  I especially enjoyed the second movement, with themes played by the basses and cellos that are quite dark and melancholy (possibly representing death and defeat), and the finale, with stirring themes that are triumphant (possibly representing life and resurrection).  This concert was absolutely spectacular and if you are interested in attending tonight's performance of the same program go here for tickets.