11 - Russian Gala
Usher Hall - 03/03/06 Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO)
It had snowed that night and there was much ice upon the pavements and roads.
I assume the ice bound nature of the city accounts for the number of late attendees who
slowly filtered in between the musical pieces.
But I did notice a fair number of concert etiquette violations that night.
There were the usual lost souls who couldn't find their seats but there
was also a smattering of watch beeps, talking and loud munching of
candy, Eccles cakes and even sandwiches. Perhaps the "Best of..." type
selection of music had attracted a baser audience.
As you may notice from my tone; I did not enjoy this particular
performance. This was a shame as Mr. Robert Yeomans exceptional violin playing was spot on and I would have liked to have seen him pushed a bit more with something more musically challenging than the pedestrian range that was on offer that night.
Previously I have commented on the poor attendance of some concerts, but this performance was obviously more popular and the behavior of some annoyed me profoundly. Why these people were not content to stay and home listening to their cut price compilation CD's was beyond me. I do not wish to appear bigoted but the blue rinse brigade was in full force as was parents towing their precious child darlings for a bit of self improving culture.
I will not bother to go into any details of the actual music but here is the list;
Glinka Russlan and Ludmilla Overture
Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Finale Nutcracker: The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
-this piece brought about much excitement from the crowds and a few giggles for some unusual reason.
Borodin Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances
Rachmaninov Vocalise
Mussorgsky/Ravel The Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition
Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade (excerpt)
Glazunov Autumn: The Seasons Bacchanal
Tchaikovsky Symphony No4: Finale Sleeping Beauty Waltz 1812 Overture Eugene Onegin: Polonaise and Waltz
I left early, such was the state of my agitation and I hence forth promise to miss the more plebian choices for future dates. Thus I am slightly worried that the more recognized composers; Mozart, Elgar and Beethoven will attract the same sort. If that is the case, perhaps a small investment in a hip flask will somehow smooth over my nerves and make the night more conducive to my pleasure?
It had snowed that night and there was much ice upon the pavements and roads.
I assume the ice bound nature of the city accounts for the number of late attendees who
slowly filtered in between the musical pieces.
But I did notice a fair number of concert etiquette violations that night.
There were the usual lost souls who couldn't find their seats but there
was also a smattering of watch beeps, talking and loud munching of
candy, Eccles cakes and even sandwiches. Perhaps the "Best of..." type
selection of music had attracted a baser audience.
As you may notice from my tone; I did not enjoy this particular
performance. This was a shame as Mr. Robert Yeomans exceptional violin playing was spot on and I would have liked to have seen him pushed a bit more with something more musically challenging than the pedestrian range that was on offer that night.
Previously I have commented on the poor attendance of some concerts, but this performance was obviously more popular and the behavior of some annoyed me profoundly. Why these people were not content to stay and home listening to their cut price compilation CD's was beyond me. I do not wish to appear bigoted but the blue rinse brigade was in full force as was parents towing their precious child darlings for a bit of self improving culture.
I will not bother to go into any details of the actual music but here is the list;
Glinka Russlan and Ludmilla Overture
Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Finale Nutcracker: The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
-this piece brought about much excitement from the crowds and a few giggles for some unusual reason.
Borodin Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances
Rachmaninov Vocalise
Mussorgsky/Ravel The Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition
Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade (excerpt)
Glazunov Autumn: The Seasons Bacchanal
Tchaikovsky Symphony No4: Finale Sleeping Beauty Waltz 1812 Overture Eugene Onegin: Polonaise and Waltz
I left early, such was the state of my agitation and I hence forth promise to miss the more plebian choices for future dates. Thus I am slightly worried that the more recognized composers; Mozart, Elgar and Beethoven will attract the same sort. If that is the case, perhaps a small investment in a hip flask will somehow smooth over my nerves and make the night more conducive to my pleasure?
posted by Laclos at 12:06 pm
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