“Missa Solemnis” Review

For me, the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique’s performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis was the most anticipated event of this semester. As a violinist, orchestral music holds a special place in my heart. I find relaxation and comfort in playing my violin and I would often find myself in a sweet trance whenever I listened to orchestral music. Prior to the performance, I wasn’t sure what to expect because I mostly listen to music of the romantic era, such as Camille Saint-Saens; Beethoven’s classical style was not as well known to me.

Nevertheless, I knew Carnegie Hall’s display would be breathtaking. From the top balcony, you get a sense of how enormous the concert hall is. The structure of the hall allowed for incredible acoustics, and the red velvet and chandelier were pleasing additions. The orchestra itself was flawless. They were in sync at all times, and not once did they make a noticeable mistake. The silence throughout the hall was also chilling. It’s an incredible feeling when you and the entire room of 2,000+ people share a period of silence. It was especially funny to hear a symphony of coughing when the orchestra stopped playing during intermission.

While the technicality of the orchestra was spot on, the music of Missa Solemnis was a little dry for me. I am used to the dramatic styles and melodies found within Saint-Saens’s compositions. This is not to say I was not impressed by the performance. I enjoyed the beautiful harmonies and strong voices of the singers. I have a lot of respect for all of the artists, but the movements were a little too repetitive for me. There wasn’t much of a build up and as a result, it was hard for me to maintain an interest at times.

Regardless, I still thought the performance was incredible in that all the musicians were a whole and the sounds were distributed beautifully throughout the hall. My favorite movement was Sanctus because it stood out from the rest and, in my opinion, contained a much deeper and richer tone than the other movements. In this movement, I remember hearing a shift in the orchestral sound. The high pitched instruments would die down and the chorus vocals were silenced. As a result, a calm and serene vibe was emitted from the stage. In some parts of the movement, it abruptly changed to fast paced melodies, which also helped capture my attention. In addition, I really enjoyed the violin soloist. It was incredible watching him perform under such pressure. Although the soloist was masked by the rest of the orchestra, thus making it hard to hear the soloist, I could tell how gifted he was.

Overall, watching the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique’s performance of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis was enjoyable and a pleasing experience. The Hall’s atmosphere and environment was chilling and the sounds produced by the orchestra were beautiful. Although it didn’t meet up to my full expectations, it was still a great treat to watch and listen to this amazing orchestra.

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Ivanov Review

Although I have never been a huge fan of theatrical plays, I was excited to see Off Broadway’s presentation of “Ivanov” when I heard that Ethan Hawke would be starring in the play. Although Ethan Hawke was the only actor I knew at the performance, he wasn’t the only star; every actor/actress was able to portray their characters effectively and I was able to feel the emotions many of the characters expressed. For example, Ivanov’s depression and struggles felt all so real to me, and Anna’s anger and Sasha’s love towards Ivanov was heart warming. It’s truly amazing to see the actors and actresses lose themselves in the play. They become so absorbed in their performance that at times, chunks of saliva would come spewing out of their mouths; a true talent.

While I was mostly excited to see Ethan Hawke perform, the two characters that constantly grabbed my attention were Borkin and Lebedev. Borkin’s accent was pleasing to the ears and he was full of energy, spoke with a powerful voice and had strong body movements. Lebedev, my second favorite character, possessed such wittiness and humor that he added a comedic aspect to the play. Since the entire plot had a serious message, I enjoyed these comedic scenes in that it provided moments of relief from all the built up tensions. Ivanov was also portrayed very well, but I felt that his scratchy voice was not projected as loud and powerful as characters such as Bolkin and Dr. Lvov.

Overall, I thought the play was very well performed. There were very intimate moments that stimulated my sympathy, such as when Ivanov and Sasha expressed their love towards each other near the end of Act II. I really enjoyed how the actors spoke to the audience, which connected the viewers to the performance. It was especially amazing how some of the actors/actresses were able to cry on cue.

There were some moments where the dialogue would be too quick for me to fully comprehend so I would look at the audience for their reactions.  In addition, I would have really liked to see some changes in the scenery. Unlike “L’Elisir d’Amore,” the story of “Ivanov” unfolded within two main sceneries. Multiple sceneries and props would retain my attention a lot better and would have a much better aesthetic appeal. Also, I didn’t expect Anna to have such fury towards Ivanov. This is definitely not to say that she has no reason to be angry, but I did not expect Anna to openly express so much anger towards Ivanov. I expected more of an internal struggle for her.

In the end, I really enjoyed this performance and it has even sparked a possible interest in theatre for me. I would definitely recommend this performance to anyone who hasn’t seen it!

 

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Walking In the City Assignment: Corona and High Line Park

Flushing Corona Park, conveniently located near Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Bronx, is a sea of vegetation and an escape from the tall and frequent skyscrapers of the city. Upon entrance, numerous activities are readily available, including golfing, picnicking, and sporting events; so many, that a few days are needed to fully take in the park’s massive property. The abundance of activities ensures that there is an activity for everyone and every age, which is representative of the diversity found within Queens. As I walked from the train station to Corona Park, I took note of the surrounding neighborhood: While it was far from being “run-down,” the neighborhood did not portray the aesthetic beauty found within Manhattan.

The Flushing Meadow streets were lined with small shops and produce markets, and the buildings were neither modern nor constructed in a breathtaking manner. Many of the households were of a modest size, and very few skyscrapers were present. The neighborhood had an old fashioned construction, unlike High Line Park’s modern building constructions. However, the community had a cozy feel. Everyone seemed very friendly, and groups of neighbors would gather outside of their steps, conversing about their day. However, pollution was a noticeable issue, as I had to walk around piles of litter.

On the other hand, High Line Park does not try to isolate itself from the city, but rather, it tries to build upon the beauty of its community. From the park, you gain an aerial perspective of the surrounding neighborhood, and unlike Corona Park,  you are constantly reminded by the skyscrapers that you are still traveling within Manhattan. As I walked along the park, little shops, restaurants, and nightclubs lined the bottom of the structure. The neighborhood was different from Corona Park’s in that it had more of an aesthetic appeal. The buildings were fairly modern and was more representative of the common New York City image.  In addition, Manhattan’s neighborhood wasn’t as polluted as Flushing’s neighborhood, and unlike Corona Park, the city’s noise was not hidden or masked by the park’s location.

As for the history of Corona Park, it was once used as a dumpsite. Described by F. Scott Fitzgerald as a “valley of ashes,” Flushing Corona Park was transformed into a beautiful park in preparation for the World Fair. With that goal in mind, I saw the construction of the park as a reflection and representation of different countries and cultures.

High Line Park also had a miraculous transformation: a railroad track renovated into an elevated garden surfacing Manhattan. When it served as a railroad track for warehouses, it was known as “Death Avenue” due to the frequent freight train accidents. As a result, I saw the construction of High Line Park as a means of renovating the surrounding neighborhood and re-sparking life within the city, which can be seen through its unique setup.

The histories of both Corona Park and High Line Park parallel Daniel Quinn’s characterization path through the novel, “City of Glass” by Paul Auster. Quinn, a mysterious character, lives a part of his life in the past. He decides to change his name in order to restart his life and erase his past life. Just like Quinn, Corona Park and High Line Park attempt to change their past identities through their presents.

In comparison to its surrounding neighborhood, Flushing Corona Park’s display was very different. It was well maintained and had a lot of vegetation. Unlike its noisy, surrounding neighborhood, the park was fairly clean and peaceful, thus making the park seem isolated from the city. However, the park-dwellers characterized the cultural diversity I observed in the neighborhood. In fact, one of the first attractions I visited represented the diversity of Queen’s community, the Unisphere. The Unisphere is a beautiful, steel globe towering over the park, and could even be seen from the LIE.

When I visited, the fountains were turned off and were filled with skateboarders who would meet up for a fun time. The globe symbolized world peace, as show by the plaque above, and reminded me that the park was not just a location in the borough, it was a location where people from all over the world would meet up to hang out, visit, and explore.

The repeating theme of peace and diversity showed up numerous times all throughout the park. Right across from the Unisphere was the US Open Tennis Arena, where people from all over the world would come together to enjoy world tennis competitions. 

 In addition, numerous sculptures were laid out throughout the park, including the “Freedom of the Human Spirit,” a massive bronze statue displaying a man and a woman flying upwards alongside three swans.

 I saw this sculpture as a bridge to the theme of peace and equality in that the man and woman are free to explore whatever they desire, and are not limited mentally or spiritually by any means. In the same way, Queen’s diverse community represents the freedom of cultural integration.

The second park I visited,  High Line Park, was one of the most unique parks I’ve ever visited. One of the first features that struck me was the vegetation that filled the park. Wild plants and planted gardens covered an immense portion of the park, which was unique in that it maintained a natural and aesthetically pleasing vibe. High line’s incorporation of the natural world into its highly urban environment mirrors one of the main themes in “Delirious New York” by Rem Koolhaas; nature vs civilization. While walking through the park, I felt the effects of the urban (skyscrapers), natural (wildflowers), artistic (paintings/decoration), and historical aspects (noticeable remnants of the railroad track) of the park, all of which, were unique to the community. In other words, High Line Park was able to create a unique identity for its surrounding neighborhoods. 

High Line Park also portrayed city life through its aerial view of Manhattan. Great views of Chelsea Piers and the Hudson River were noticeable; it felt as if I were in the heart of Manhattan, another telling feature of the High Line community given by the park.

All in all, I saw the park as a place for people from all over the word to gather around and relax in. The group of visitors and tourists were very diverse, much like Corona Park’s representation of New York’s melting pot.

Furthermore, there were many artistic displays seen throughout the park. Many public artworks were present, including this wooden sculpture of a head:

 The numerous public artwork displays invite artists to express new and unique ideas, which in turn, represent the park’s unique structure.

In both parks, I was able to find a sense of tranquility as I walked through their vast estates. As Daniel Quinn said, “Each time he took a walk, he felt as though he were leaving himself behind,… he was able to escape the obligation to think, and this,…, brought him a measure of peace, a salutary emptiness within. [8, City of Glass] Although Corona Park provided an alternate, tranquil environment, while High Line provided a fulfilling and unique representation of urban art and construction, both parks allowed me to escape my worries. All I could do, at the moment, was take in and appreciate the beauty of each park. And with that note, I highly recommend visiting these parks to anyone who hasn’t visited them yet.

 

 

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Queens Museum of Art – “Instrument for Four Persons”; Caribbean Art Objecs

“Instrument for Four Persons” by Everald Brown, a Rastafarian artist from Jamaica (1917-2002), is a sculpture made of polychromed wood, metal, plastic, and goatskin, circa 1992. The sculpture resembles an instrument and has unique, elaborate paintings of birds and islands, reflecting Brown’s Rastafarian and Jamaican background. The wooden leg also displays beautifully carved circles and vein-like shapes/patterns. Brown is noted for his early works, which consist of carved ritual objects and decorations. “Instrument for Four Persons” is based on Brown’s dreams, experiences, and meditations with nature; Brown believes everything is instilled with nature. The sculpture is fairly large, about the size of a small cello.

To me, the most striking quality of this sculpture was its unique construction. It was unlike any instrument or sculpture I have ever seen before and seemed like a hybrid of a guitar, harp, and drum. The vivid coloration of the sculpture stood out to me and the simple paintings of birds made it seem indigenous to Jamaica and African roots. To me, the artwork emitted a cheery vibe and legitimately made it seem as if I shared a connection with Jamaican culture, as if I were viewing a piece of Jamaica.

I believe the sculpture represents peace and coexistence. The incorporation of different instruments represents the integration of different cultures. Furthermore, the birds are symbols of freedom and peace within the Rastafarian belief. “Instrument for Four Persons” is a new and unique form of sculpture as it is a hybrid of different cultural ideas, and thus resolves the problem associated with cultural isolation and presents the possibility of cultural hybridity.

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Queens Museum of Art – “Action de Castillo de Marocaibo”; Caribbean Art Objects

“Action de Castillo de Marocaibo” by Jose Maria Espinosa Prieto, a Colombian artist (1796-1833), is an oil painting on Canvas dated circa 1840. This painting depicts a scene of the Battle of Lake Marcaibo, which took place on July 24, 1823 in Venezuela. Interestingly, Espinosa is both a soldier and a painter; personal attributes that are reflected through this artwork. The right side of the painting shows a line of battleships bearing the Columbian flag facing an island and castle. The painting sets within a crystalline ocean surrounded by clear, blue skies. The painting is of a modest size, about 80cm x 120 cm, and has a smooth and glistening texture.

At first glance, I was drawn to the beautiful ‘blueness’ of the artwork. The blue ocean and sky gave the painting a serene feel, which was interesting to me since the painting was telling the story of a fiery battle. The horizon, where the sky and ocean meet, also seemed particularly calm and contrasted the repetition of fierce Colombian battleships, which created an imbalance in that all of the battleships were presented on one side of the painting. The left side seemed empty and only contained an island and castle.

To me, the painting as a whole represents the climax of the battle, in which the Colombians made advances in the battle. Espinosa glorifies this scene by adding serene elements into his artwork because he is Columbian himself. I believe the main problem Espinosa faced was creating a calm representation of a war, which most people see as a violent and stormy event.

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Roger Scruton

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Review for “Political Mother” Dance Performance

Political Mother was my favorite event thus far. It was unique, entertaining, comical, and powerful. The performance conveyed a dark and evil sensation that gave me goosebumps numerous times throughout the performance. The beat was really intense and powerful, especially in the beginning, and there were even parts that were startling, such as the transition from complete silence to loud banging drums. Even when the music became quiet, the choreography of the dancers was able to keep the beat alive and loud, which shows how in sync all the dancers were. I really thought it was cool how the lighting of the stage was able to change the dimensions of the stage, for example, making it seem like a closed, square enclosure or a multileveled room. The lighting was also very effective at creating contrast in the theatre, which was painful for my eyes at some points.

The dancing itself was very interesting. I have always thought of dancing as sweet, fluid motions as in ballet, or as strong quick thrusts as in hip-hop, but never as erratic, zombie-like movements. It was something I have never seen before. The performance was also unique in that it added a comical aspect at the most unexpected period. When the words, “When there is pressure there is” were displayed, I was expecting a serious and meaningful message, but instead, the word ‘folkdance’ lit up, which I thought was very surprising and funny.

Since Halloween is coming up, I thought we saw the performance at the perfect time since it emitted an eerie environment, fitting for Halloween! The fog, strobe lights, and ghostly music, such as the sudden switch from heavy guitar solos to sweet classical music, reminded me of a haunted insane asylum. The zombie-like movements of the dancers also added to this notion.

As for the plot and meaning of the performance, I believe it is about society and politics taking over the world. The singer reminded me of a wicked dictator controlling the minds of the dancers. I saw the different performers as a hierarchy of evilness, from the drummers to the guitarists to the singer. However, the dancers were trying to break away from the mind-controlling singer, which represented society and politics. Towards the end, the playing of the song “Both Sides Now” signified the dancers breaking free from the tyrannical singer.

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