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An afternoon at the symphony

This past Sunday I attended a live performance by the Phoenix Symphony - the first time I have been to a live performance of classical music in several decades. I have been to dozens of rock and jazz concerts in the interim, but no classical performances in at least 30 years. The program consisted of three pieces: Christopher Rouse's "Iscariot," Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7.

I was not previously familar with Rouse, and was intrigued by this particular piece, which reminded me somewhat of Alan Hovhaness' work. I HATED the Shostakovich violin concerto, which struck me as a near-random series of squeaks and squawks. If I'd known this was going to be a significant portion of the program, I would have declined a friend's invitation to attend the concert! The Beethoven Symphony was enjoyable, although it's not one of my favorites - those being No. 5, No. 6 and No. 9.

Overall, I'd have to say that while it was interesting to hear a symphony orchestra again after so many years, I don't think I will be returning anytime soon. Yes, the quality of sound was better than I'd get from any recording, but not enough so to justify the time and expense involved, at least for me.


"Music is the medicine of a troubled mind." -- Walter Haddon, 1567

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Topic - An afternoon at the symphony - Big Dave 16:12:02 02/27/07 (36)
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