I really really LOVE orchestral music!

Just been listening to the Mendelssohn violin concerto, and been struck by how immensely satisfying it is to hear the grace note sections in parts of the first movement so ridiculously together when so many instruments are playing at once - don't know if anyone knows which bits I mean!

Also have a recording somewhere of Smetana's Ma Vlast with an orchestra using no vibrato whatsoever, which is fascinating to listen to...

Infinite variety! I do love orchestral music!

I dont really listen to music, any type. But i would like to start listening to more 'classical' music. I think i might start with the Mendelssohn violin concerto

Ben

Hi Sarah, I definitely agree with you. There is something magical about orchestral music and how it all comes together. Listening to a truly good orchestra live (or at least a very good recording) for me is the most satisfying experience. I sit there and focus on the different instruments one at a time and then coming back to listen to the whole. Its definitely not in all cases, but there are (forgive the choice of words) almost spiritual moments when the instruments of the orchestra combine to touch your soul in a way that the individual instruments on their own could not do.

Completely agree too!!
There is so much orchestral music that is just wonderful. And not just orchestral, but also choral and smaller ensembles as well.
Fantastic to listen to and be touched by, and also great to play together and be part of it.

the best thing about orchestral music is being in the middle of an orchestra, playing away, and the musc grows around you. brilliant feeling and one that a CD simply cannot capture unfortunately

Definitly. Nothing can compare to being in the middle of an orchestra on a stage!

One of the most amazing experiences I have had was playing in Daphnis and Chloe, Suites 1 & 2. The moments when the full chorus come in behind you are enough to knock you on the floor!

I fulfilled an ambition a couple of years ago, and played in the orchestra for Verdi's Requiem. Being in the middle of the orchestra for the Dies Irae was electrifying.

Yay to the orchestra!

Did you ever find a suitable orchestra to join Sarah? I remember you were looking a while back.

I think I agree with everything that's been said, but specifically...


Yes, absolutely! That just sums it up! Hairs rising on the back of the neck time!


Wow sounds incredible!

This is what I like about it and why I would rather play second violin to first (where you are on the wings and don't feel "in the middle" like you generally are with second), or even viola???

However it cannot and will never compare to chamber music for me. Chamber music is the ultimate both for being involved and the ultimate listening experience when it is done well (and preferably live). And the best moments of orchestral music are those chamber-like bits for me.

Ooooh yes chamber music is great too. Haven't had as many opportunities for that over the years though.

Any comments about:

Falst, Elgar
Scherzo cappricioso, Dvorak
Romeo and Juliet, Prokoviev
Symphony no. 9, Shostakovich

as we're playing them in orchestra.

I love the Prokofiev never played it, but fantastic music.

I love the Shost, its a very powerful Symphony I always think, although I'll be honest - I've only ever done a wind band version of it probably quite some different there

Have to say though that I agree entirely with this thread; some of the emotions that orchestra music can develope in you too is always quite electrifying, like, for me, in mahlers ninth symphony .... a recording of that by a good orchestra, and i'll just be quite literally crying my way through it ....

where would we be without music ey lads?

I need to hear it *goes to find a recording*



Only ever played Festival Overture, in a wind band by Shotakovich. *goes to hunt out more recordings*

I have played the Prok (2nd violin) some of it is fiendishly difficult. Shosti I love mmmm.

I envy you, because that's a super programme (although there's lots of Prokoviev I like better that the R & J music) and quite challenging.

Elgar thought that "Falstaff" was his best composition, and I don't disagree, though the Variations and the Introduction & Allegro are just as good, IMO, and "Gerontius" has some magic musical moments to compensate for its old-fashioned theology. My recollection of the one performance of "Falsatff" that I was in is that the transition to 6/8 had me confused at first. The point is that it happens at different places in the different parts (rehearsal 8 for the flutes), and the beat (two per bar) stays constant, not the crotchet.

The Dvorak is a fun piece with lots of good tunes, somewhat lighter in weight than the symphonies. I haven't played it, nor the Shostakovich, which is the work I envy you the most. While he was writing it, interested parties thought he was writing a grand work celebrating the triumph of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War, and were a bit disconcerted at the premiere by the flippant first movement with its piccolo solo, rudely interrupted by the trombone. However, it gets more serious later, and the slow movement has some inner steel.

Yay Kenm!

I have missed this kind of post

Glad you could pop in

Try leaving your radio on Classc FM (100)

Nooooo!!!!!! Radio 3 Pleeeezzzzze!!!

I'm with Jane on this one.

Orchestral music has always been an obssetion to me ( though I don't play with an Orechestra a lot because I'm mainly a pianist)

I used to play Ballet since I was four years old , and that was the first reason for me to fall in love with Orchestral music.

During our daily training , when we were sometimes supposed to practice a new dance or something , sometimes , i stood in the middle of the stage with no movement , just thinking about all these musicians and there instruments and the whole beautiful world they creat by playing their instruments..