I’ve never necessarily been one for classical music as I’ve always felt that it didn’t speak to me in the same way as the styles of music that I tend to listen to. However, I did my best to enter tonight’s performance with an open mind. In doing so, I wound up paying a lot closer attention to detail than I would of if I just sat back and enjoyed the music.

The first thing I noticed was that we got really, really great seats. I know, in the traditional sense, they probably weren’t the best in the hall. To me, though, an orchestra is best viewed from as high up as possible. One of the best parts for me was watching how in sync all of the musicians were with each other. It was amazing to see how they each made the same movements at the same times to come together so seamlessly. Much like almost all of the other performances we’ve been to this semester, I was consistently astounded by the way that humans can work and fit together so easily, and incorporating instruments as they do so.

I was also exceptionally interested in the conductor. I know, theoretically, that a conductor’s job is to keep the tempo of the orchestra and to guide the musicians into the next piece of the song. I’ve never been able to wrap my mind around exactly that works. He spoke one language with his body movements while the musicians spoke an entirely different one with their instruments. Somehow it all came together.

Finally, I think after tonight’s performance I’ve come to understand and appreciate the beauty of classical music – especially as performed by such a large group of people. While I’ve always been used to concerts and performances that are more social in nature (a play where everyone laughs at the same scenes, or a concert where the entire crowd knows the lyrics), this performance was much more individualized. Everyone has a completely unique experience from those around him or her. However, the music is ultimately the largest presence in the room. When it all comes together, as human beings collaborate to produce something on such a large scale, music has the ability to overpower you.