Posted on Facebook 2/10
Chatting with musicians after concerts: PRICELESS. Just hang around the lobby for a few minutes (they need to put their instruments away), then introduce yourself to one of the musicians who comes out to greet audience members, and ask them anything you want!
Last weekend we talked to several of them about this week’s repertoire and soloist, the spectacular Gil Shaham. Phrases like “the greatest violinist playing today” fell from the lips of more than one string player, and everyone added that he was just about the nicest guy in the music world. So we asked violist Sam Bergman if he could tell us a little more about Gil’s musicianship.
Sam writes: “When it comes to violinists (and this is coming from a recovering violinist), there's flamboyance, there's showmanship, there's ego, and then, there's Gil Shaham, who doesn't need any of the above. He dazzles without showing off, crafts perfect musical phrases without so much as hinting at all the work that went into them, and delivers phenomenal performances night after night with seemingly no effort at all. He's a wonder, a musician's musician who I've looked up to since I was a high school kid, and we're so lucky to have him soloing with the Minnesota Orchestra this week!”
Thanks, Sam!
Learn more about the concerto Mr. Shaham is playing this weekend, his insights into it, and why he has made it one of his signature pieces in this short WSJ article. It begins: “In his day, Erich Wolfgang Korngold was a wildly successful, Oscar-winning film composer, his thickly romantic music accompanying the swashbuckling adventure and romance in Errol Flynn movies...”: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303795904579433693052052208
Then be in the audience to hear this wonderful concerto in the hands of “the greatest!” Tickets and more info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VNVqlJ3F_l8
And remember to hang around after the concert to talk to a musician! You’ll be glad you did.
Chatting with musicians after concerts: PRICELESS. Just hang around the lobby for a few minutes (they need to put their instruments away), then introduce yourself to one of the musicians who comes out to greet audience members, and ask them anything you want!
Last weekend we talked to several of them about this week’s repertoire and soloist, the spectacular Gil Shaham. Phrases like “the greatest violinist playing today” fell from the lips of more than one string player, and everyone added that he was just about the nicest guy in the music world. So we asked violist Sam Bergman if he could tell us a little more about Gil’s musicianship.
Sam writes: “When it comes to violinists (and this is coming from a recovering violinist), there's flamboyance, there's showmanship, there's ego, and then, there's Gil Shaham, who doesn't need any of the above. He dazzles without showing off, crafts perfect musical phrases without so much as hinting at all the work that went into them, and delivers phenomenal performances night after night with seemingly no effort at all. He's a wonder, a musician's musician who I've looked up to since I was a high school kid, and we're so lucky to have him soloing with the Minnesota Orchestra this week!”
Thanks, Sam!
Learn more about the concerto Mr. Shaham is playing this weekend, his insights into it, and why he has made it one of his signature pieces in this short WSJ article. It begins: “In his day, Erich Wolfgang Korngold was a wildly successful, Oscar-winning film composer, his thickly romantic music accompanying the swashbuckling adventure and romance in Errol Flynn movies...”: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303795904579433693052052208
Then be in the audience to hear this wonderful concerto in the hands of “the greatest!” Tickets and more info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VNVqlJ3F_l8
And remember to hang around after the concert to talk to a musician! You’ll be glad you did.
Posted on Facebook 2/9
“…one section cooperatively pitted against another….” Um, what? We asked MN Orchestra principal trumpet Manny Laureano for his thoughts as he prepares for this weekend’s concerts. Read his reflections below, then get your tickets here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VNVqlJ3F_l8 (Thursday morning and Friday night performances are at Orchestra Hall; Saturday night's is at Northrop.)
Manny writes, “When people talk about the Minnesota Orchestra they talk about a specific sound it possesses that is unique. They talk about the virtuosic yet warm sound of the strings, the majestic power of its brass section, the crystalline clarity of the woodwinds, and the impossibly metronomic accuracy of the percussion. It all adds up to the aforementioned versatility of the orchestra that bathes its listeners in stentorian warmth.
“Thus, it is always a great and rare experience to hear one section cooperatively pitted against another in a masterwork such as the Konzertmuzik for Brass and Strings. To be sure, Hindemith's language keeps all the players busy with long winding phrases for the brass section of the Minnesota Orchestra and fiendishly difficult passages for the choir of strings. The utter seriousness of the opening gives way to moments of beautiful reverence before the triumphant close of the final pages.
“This rarely-played piece shows off two sections of the Minnesota Orchestra in an opulent, incandescent way and is absolutely not to be missed!”
Thanks, Manny! We will be there!
“…one section cooperatively pitted against another….” Um, what? We asked MN Orchestra principal trumpet Manny Laureano for his thoughts as he prepares for this weekend’s concerts. Read his reflections below, then get your tickets here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VNVqlJ3F_l8 (Thursday morning and Friday night performances are at Orchestra Hall; Saturday night's is at Northrop.)
Manny writes, “When people talk about the Minnesota Orchestra they talk about a specific sound it possesses that is unique. They talk about the virtuosic yet warm sound of the strings, the majestic power of its brass section, the crystalline clarity of the woodwinds, and the impossibly metronomic accuracy of the percussion. It all adds up to the aforementioned versatility of the orchestra that bathes its listeners in stentorian warmth.
“Thus, it is always a great and rare experience to hear one section cooperatively pitted against another in a masterwork such as the Konzertmuzik for Brass and Strings. To be sure, Hindemith's language keeps all the players busy with long winding phrases for the brass section of the Minnesota Orchestra and fiendishly difficult passages for the choir of strings. The utter seriousness of the opening gives way to moments of beautiful reverence before the triumphant close of the final pages.
“This rarely-played piece shows off two sections of the Minnesota Orchestra in an opulent, incandescent way and is absolutely not to be missed!”
Thanks, Manny! We will be there!
Posted on Facebook 2/7
The Guthrie opens “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Feb. 7. The MN Orchestra performs Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Feb. 12-13-14. Coincidence? We wonder!
The concert also features superstar violinist Gil Shaham playing one of his signature pieces, Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s lushly romantic Violin Concerto, and Maurice Ravel’s shimmering Suite No. 2 from “Daphnis and Chloe,” and Paul Hindemith’s powerful “Concert Music for Strings and Brass.”
More info about the concert can be found here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VNVqlJ3F_l8 Thursday morning and Friday night performances are at Orchestra Hall; Saturday night's is at Northrop.
More info about the Guthrie’s production can be found here: http://www.guthrietheater.org/plays_events/plays/_midsummer_nights_dream
Catch them both!
The Guthrie opens “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Feb. 7. The MN Orchestra performs Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Feb. 12-13-14. Coincidence? We wonder!
The concert also features superstar violinist Gil Shaham playing one of his signature pieces, Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s lushly romantic Violin Concerto, and Maurice Ravel’s shimmering Suite No. 2 from “Daphnis and Chloe,” and Paul Hindemith’s powerful “Concert Music for Strings and Brass.”
More info about the concert can be found here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VNVqlJ3F_l8 Thursday morning and Friday night performances are at Orchestra Hall; Saturday night's is at Northrop.
More info about the Guthrie’s production can be found here: http://www.guthrietheater.org/plays_events/plays/_midsummer_nights_dream
Catch them both!
Posted on Facebook 2/5
“The quickest way to develop tendinitis in the practice room.” SOSMN’s friend, professional clarinetist Rena Kraut, sheds some light on the inner-workings and challenges of playing Ravel’s Suite No. 2 from “Daphnis and Chloe.” It’s on the MN Orchestra’s Feb 12-13-14 program. Read more about Rena at the end of this post.
Rena writes, “They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Rather than show you a gauzy depiction of Chloe in a meadow, dancing to the seductive undulations of Daphnis' flute, I thought I’d offer an inside peek at what is really going on behind the music. Ravel was a master Impressionist composer, most widely known for ‘Bolero,’ which he once described as ‘a piece for orchestra without music.’ ‘Daphnis and Chloe’ is in no danger of falling into that category. His Suite 2 from the ballet, which took him over three years to complete and nearly caused him a nervous breakdown, opens with a pre-dawn soundscape: dew trickling from rocks, shepherds calling, birds letting loose their song. Your typical pastoral moment. When the rays of the sun fully break over the horizon, it's one of the most glorious moments in orchestral music.
“This is one page of what is going on while you're taking in the warmth of that sunrise.
“Remember that part in ‘Amadeus’ when the Emperor complained about Mozart writing ‘too many notes?’ This is also the popular opinion of most of the upper woodwinds at this point. As you might notice in the picture, Ravel writes a staggering 36 notes per measure, all to be played in the span of three seconds. Literally. Which is why this piece is sometimes tenderly referred to as the quickest way to develop tendinitis in the practice room. Oh, and it's supposed to be incredibly delicate and quiet in the beginning as well, to the point where the clacking of your metal keys is louder than your actual pitches.
‘But for all the pain and suffering in the proverbial woodshed, there is onstage a wonderful payoff for musicians and audience: the lushest, warmest, most goose-bump-inducing auditory experience in Western music.
“Go ahead. Bask in it.”
Thanks, Rena. We shall!
Tickets and more info for Thursday morning or Friday night at Orchestra Hall, or Saturday night at Northrop Auditorium here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VND5zGjF_l8
Yan Pascal Tortelier conducts this program, which also includes Gil Shaham on Korngold’s lushly romantic Violin Concerto, Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Hindemith’s “Concert Music for Strings and Brass.”
Rena Kraut writes, teaches, and performs around the Twin Cities with various ensembles and with Muse Salon, a chamber music duo. From time to time, she can be found happily subbing in the clarinet section of the Minnesota Orchestra.
“The quickest way to develop tendinitis in the practice room.” SOSMN’s friend, professional clarinetist Rena Kraut, sheds some light on the inner-workings and challenges of playing Ravel’s Suite No. 2 from “Daphnis and Chloe.” It’s on the MN Orchestra’s Feb 12-13-14 program. Read more about Rena at the end of this post.
Rena writes, “They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Rather than show you a gauzy depiction of Chloe in a meadow, dancing to the seductive undulations of Daphnis' flute, I thought I’d offer an inside peek at what is really going on behind the music. Ravel was a master Impressionist composer, most widely known for ‘Bolero,’ which he once described as ‘a piece for orchestra without music.’ ‘Daphnis and Chloe’ is in no danger of falling into that category. His Suite 2 from the ballet, which took him over three years to complete and nearly caused him a nervous breakdown, opens with a pre-dawn soundscape: dew trickling from rocks, shepherds calling, birds letting loose their song. Your typical pastoral moment. When the rays of the sun fully break over the horizon, it's one of the most glorious moments in orchestral music.
“This is one page of what is going on while you're taking in the warmth of that sunrise.
“Remember that part in ‘Amadeus’ when the Emperor complained about Mozart writing ‘too many notes?’ This is also the popular opinion of most of the upper woodwinds at this point. As you might notice in the picture, Ravel writes a staggering 36 notes per measure, all to be played in the span of three seconds. Literally. Which is why this piece is sometimes tenderly referred to as the quickest way to develop tendinitis in the practice room. Oh, and it's supposed to be incredibly delicate and quiet in the beginning as well, to the point where the clacking of your metal keys is louder than your actual pitches.
‘But for all the pain and suffering in the proverbial woodshed, there is onstage a wonderful payoff for musicians and audience: the lushest, warmest, most goose-bump-inducing auditory experience in Western music.
“Go ahead. Bask in it.”
Thanks, Rena. We shall!
Tickets and more info for Thursday morning or Friday night at Orchestra Hall, or Saturday night at Northrop Auditorium here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VND5zGjF_l8
Yan Pascal Tortelier conducts this program, which also includes Gil Shaham on Korngold’s lushly romantic Violin Concerto, Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Hindemith’s “Concert Music for Strings and Brass.”
Rena Kraut writes, teaches, and performs around the Twin Cities with various ensembles and with Muse Salon, a chamber music duo. From time to time, she can be found happily subbing in the clarinet section of the Minnesota Orchestra.
Posted on Facebook 2/4
Blazing brass and soaring strings! Hindemith’s “Concert Music for Strings and Brass” in the embouchures and hands of our MN Orchestra musicians will deliver a spectacular sonic experience Feb 12-13-14. Listen to it while you follow the score in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjG5f0OXhq4
Then grab your tickets for Thursday morning or Friday night at Orchestra Hall, or Saturday night at Northrop Auditorium. Tickets and more info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VND5zGjF_l8
Yan Pascal Tortelier conducts this program, which also includes Gil Shaham on Korngold’s lushly romatic Violin Concerto, Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Ravel’s Suite No. 2 from “Daphnis and Chloe.” Such wonderful stuff! We hope to see you at one of these concerts.
Blazing brass and soaring strings! Hindemith’s “Concert Music for Strings and Brass” in the embouchures and hands of our MN Orchestra musicians will deliver a spectacular sonic experience Feb 12-13-14. Listen to it while you follow the score in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjG5f0OXhq4
Then grab your tickets for Thursday morning or Friday night at Orchestra Hall, or Saturday night at Northrop Auditorium. Tickets and more info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VND5zGjF_l8
Yan Pascal Tortelier conducts this program, which also includes Gil Shaham on Korngold’s lushly romatic Violin Concerto, Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Ravel’s Suite No. 2 from “Daphnis and Chloe.” Such wonderful stuff! We hope to see you at one of these concerts.
Posted on Facebook 2/3
The wonderful Gil Shaham has made Erich Korngold’s lushly romantic 1945 Violin Concerto a signature piece – hear a preview (or all of it!) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC4dwtTRzrY
Then come to hear him perform it in person with our MN Orchestra at Orchestra Hall on Thursday morning, 2/12 or Friday evening, 2/13, or at Northrop Auditorium on Saturday evening 2/14 (what could be more romantic for Valentine’s Day?). Tickets and more info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VND5zGjF_l8
If you’d like to read more about this amazing composer and concerto, here’s a link to the program notes: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/images/programnotes/1415/worlds_stage.pdf
Yan Pascal Tortelier conducts this program, which also includes Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Ravel’s Suite No. 2 from “Daphnis and Chloe,” and Hindemith’s “Concert Music for Strings and Brass.” More about those compositions in our next post!
The wonderful Gil Shaham has made Erich Korngold’s lushly romantic 1945 Violin Concerto a signature piece – hear a preview (or all of it!) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC4dwtTRzrY
Then come to hear him perform it in person with our MN Orchestra at Orchestra Hall on Thursday morning, 2/12 or Friday evening, 2/13, or at Northrop Auditorium on Saturday evening 2/14 (what could be more romantic for Valentine’s Day?). Tickets and more info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/368/-/all-the-world-s-a-stage-a-midsummer-night-s-dream#.VND5zGjF_l8
If you’d like to read more about this amazing composer and concerto, here’s a link to the program notes: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/images/programnotes/1415/worlds_stage.pdf
Yan Pascal Tortelier conducts this program, which also includes Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Ravel’s Suite No. 2 from “Daphnis and Chloe,” and Hindemith’s “Concert Music for Strings and Brass.” More about those compositions in our next post!
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