Category: Carnegie (Page 1 of 2)

When will I ever get to go there?” Watching a classical performance at Carnegie Hall was something I only dreamt of. Fortunately I was able to go as a class trip.

Bach’s works are one of my favorite classical pieces and I remember my mother buying stacks of Bach’s piano books for me to practice. At a young age, I resented him for writing this many music. However, as I grew older I grew an appreciation for his music. When I heard Vivaldi’s Four Seasons during the performance, my heart start to beat really quickly and I got goosebumps from head to toe. It felt like I was in Europe and experienced a living art and living music. It was nothing like listening to music on my phone or my MacBook.

This trip was unforgettable and something that I will continue in the future. I’m really thankful for such an experience.

Stepping into the lobby of Carnegie Hall was similar to stepping into the lobby of the Metropolitan Opera House. Prior to attending these special Macaulay Honors events, I had only dreamed of one day watching a performance at these two prestigious concert halls. Finally, my dream came true!

Upon entering the venue, I already felt like I was floating on clouds. The serenity of the concert hall, the sophistication, everything seemed to fall perfectly in place. As Anne-Sophie Mutter and her ensemble of young, budding musicians entered the stage, the entire hall gradually quieted down and readied themselves for a night to remember. Ms. Mutter’s violin had the most serene and smooth sound, instantly engulfing me in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The piece that I enjoyed the most is also a classic that even non-fans of classical music have listened to one point in their lives, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. “Spring,” which is arguably the most recognized of the four, never fails to bring me back to my first year of high school, when I was required to take a music appreciation class. Hearing Ms. Mutter and her ensemble play, I was instantly whisked away to the third row seat of the first floor chorus room where I first heard this beautiful piece. Ms. Mutter’s playing that night brought back much cherished memories of my high school years, and it created new memories that I will cherish well into the future.

Carnegie Hall

I played in my high school band before so I was very familiar with orchestral music. The level that Ms. Mutter played at the concert however, was beyond what I expected. I really enjoyed Four Seasons by Vivaldi and spent probably the whole time figuring out what season the orchestral was playing at the moment. I think I wasn’t able to fully enjoy the performance because I had a stomachache during the middle of the performance. I guess in a way, the music helped to soothe that pain. Regardless, I was really captivated by the music. The speed that the notes were played was so unbelievably fast. I found myself daydreaming what it was like if I had chose to learn how to play the violin instead of the flute. I think if I had learned to play the violin, I would have respected Ms. Mutton even more because then I could fully grasp the perfection of her violin playing.

I also like how I was able to differentiate Ms. Mutton’s violin playing from the rest of the orchestra’s violin playing, as if her playing stood out from the rest of the orchestra who were also playing perfectly that night. To be honest, the music really led me to daydream. Would I even call it “daydreaming?” The walls and stage of Carnegie Hall became very dreamy and warm through my eyes and I swear it wasn’t because I was falling asleep—I was very much awake. The music kept me at the border of Dreamland and reality; it was as if I wasn’t even there anymore but I was certain that I still was sitting in the very cozy, tightly packed row. I was actually expecting many memories to flood into my mind as I heard it was something music sometime did to you. I was a bit disappointed however when memories didn’t come to me and that my mind was blank throughout the whole performance except the thought of the constant pang of my stomach ache and thoughts on food I was going to eat when I got home.

I also found myself trying to absorb in all the music because I would never be able to witness such a phenomenal performance again. My middle school band teacher always told us stories of Carnegie Hall and to my surprise, it was exactly as I pictured it—the colors of the walls, the ceiling, the velvet seats, even the orientation of the musicians, (Exactly as I imagined it.) I never once researched how Carnegie Hall looked so I was very surprised at how accurate my imagination was; So the whole experience seemed very much like déjà vu. I could never imagine myself at Carnegie Hall but there I was, sitting in the majestic building, listening to a world-class violinist play. It seemed very surreal. Thank you professor Natov for taking us there. I will never forget the experience.

I loved the concept of Anne-Sophie Mutter’s foundation – to let young musicians build their fame in a nation that is increasingly less involved in classical music. While the students were playing, I imagined how amazing it was to have Anne-Sophie Mutter be their mentor, and whether they were intimidated or moved by her – or both! (I would be) She has a lot of influence in the classical music world, and making her students play her husband’s pieces (the second set of songs) was very clever. Most people didn’t enjoy it, especially with the harpsichord having such a long and quiet solo. To be honest, I did enjoy his music. But the harpsichord was the only part that I didn’t enjoy. They should have put a microphone so that the harpsichord would be louder, especially for people who sat in the back. It was also such a random insertion between the otherwise loud and complex intermingling of instruments.

I enjoyed the “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi part the most, because it’s a classic but still manages to touch and fascinate so many people. It was wise of them to save it for the end. I usually hear “Spring” the most, and though it may be a little overplayed, its value is not diminished. I gravitated toward “Summer” this time. I also thought it was hilarious how the conductor and some musicians walked in an out through the doors on the left a lot of times. I don’t usually go to musical performances, so it was  funny how long we had to applaud for.

I enjoyed most of the performances, and found a likable aspect in each piece. As a very occasional listener of classical music, it was refreshing to see how different each piece can sound but still be classified in a genre as diverse and almost forgotten as classical music.

Coming into the warmth of Carnegie Hall after walking out side in the freezing cold wind was a relief. I was very excited to be here and be able to hear Ms. Mutter play. I felt as if I was going to get a gift or something, it was that kind of excitement as I went up the stairs. I just wanted to know where my seat was so I could relax and tune in to nothing but the sweet sounds of the strings. The first half of the show consisted of the Concerto for Two Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D Minor, by Bach. We had discussed in class about the genius of Bach. He is able to make the strings resonate and answer each other by incorporating a change from high to low and then back to high frequency. He also changed the speed at which the notes where played giving me having a sense of anxiousness until the deeper strings were played. I have to admit that it was very enjoyable and I did not think I would be so drawn into this style of music. Ms. Mutter was very elegantly dressed and her technique was amazing.

The next work was by Andre Previn with his Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra. I thought that it consisted of more softer and smoother type of notes and this did not match the excitement that I had at the moment. I did like the soloist playing at the beginning because it drew my attention in and the joining and breaking away from the rest of the orchestra was really nice to hear. I also enjoyed his deeper notes near the end of the performance, it showed me that I enjoy fast paced sounds and really deep slow resonating sounds.

Out of the performances, I know that I enjoyed Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons the most. I think I enjoyed it because it was variable and the stories behind them where humorous. Out of the four pieces, I enjoyed Winter the most. It had a lot of anticipation type of sounds, and I felt as if I was going on a journey. It was very fast paced and also there were a lot of responses from the orchestra to the main violinist. It was very exciting that the movements made by some of the players made their shoes slip of the stage. Its ending was exciting and simply wonderful work of art. I hope I can go back to hear another performance soon.

I was very happy that she played for us, two encores that not only were complex, but super fast paced. I was thrilled and when it ended I just had a jolt of excitement all over my body. It was definitely an unforgettable experience and one that will be cherished all my life.

The classical music concert at Carnegie Hall was a new experience for me because I had never been to one. The most memorable performance for me was the second performance. It was a concerto for violin and string orchestra (with two harpsichord interlude) composed by André Previn. It was something I had never heard before because it was all over the place but at the same time not. The strings sang in different patterns at different pitches that brought me over the edge. The first movement was building up the pressure and anticipation, the second movement was dark but there were hints of optimism, and the final movement was rich, deep, and finished off like a roller coaster. I couldn’t predict where the next note would bring me and I was able to experience different kinds of feelings with just this performance. It was fun, dark, playful, and exciting.

The small orchestra walked onstage. The audience settled down as they took their positions, and I watched the performers ready themselves. Suddenly, they started. They didn’t tune! I thought frantically as the musicians played on. One of my favorite moments had been skipped, but I couldn’t stop too long to think about it because I couldn’t afford to miss one breathtaking moment of the evening’s program. The tuning would come later.

Listening to Anne-Sophie Mutter on her violin was incredible. Her instrument had the most liquid sound, like molten gold, that reverberated beautifully around the concert hall. She seemed to know the music by heart, hardly referring to the sheet music on the music stands surrounding her. The young musicians playing with her were obviously very talented and passionate about the music. One of the cellists was so engrossed in his playing that he couldn’t sit still and danced in his seat with his feet sweeping back and forth.

The audience responded very enthusiastically, clapping with gusto at the conclusion of each piece and even before, something that the musicians were good sports about. It must be said, every ounce of extra applause absolutely merited.

Besides ride trains of thought, I tend to un-focus my eyes while watching the musicians. This way, they all look like a collective body. During some especially lively parts of the pieces, the string players moved in a wave of movements. It was like watching the fountain in Lincoln Center.

My other physical reactions varied throughout the pieces and movements of the concert. While the first Bach piece played, I laid back and watched the starry lightbulbs. During the Vivaldi, though, I was rocking out. My hands went crazy as I tapped out the rhythms and I couldn’t sit still.

It was truly a pleasure seeing Anne Sophie Mutter perform, though. I mean, she must breathe with less reflex and skill than she plays the violin. I’m not usually a big solo violin fan, but she knew how to keep the music fresh and alive.

Carnegie Hall captures all attention just from its red carpets, gold accents on the walls, and elaborate architecture. Just stepping inside filled me with wonder and awe. Then, when Anne-Sophie Mutter entered the stage in her bright yellow gown, all eyes were on her and that’s where they remained throughout the whole performance.

Hearing Anne- Sophie Mutter and her students play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Carnegie Hall was truly a remarkable experience. I had never heard a live instrumental performance before, and the way Anne- Sophie Mutter and her students played their string instruments was extraordinary. I felt as if I could get lost in the music. Each season seemed to tell a story that feels as if it captures the time of year that it is trying to express. Summer was calm and happy while winter began fast then turned joyful when the music was describing the holiday season. I was amazed at the power of live classical music, especially how music composed centuries ago is still relevant and beautiful today.

The whole performance was fascinating, including the two encores that were very much wanted by the audience. I had little experience with classical music in my life, but this performance opened me up to the wonders of classical music.

Our trip to Carnegie Hall was an all around beautiful adventure from the music to the architecture, even down to the delicious mints that were supposed to keep coughs and sniffles at bay.

First and the main event of the show: Anne-Sophie Mutter and her orchestra of young musicians. Not only did she look beautiful her eye-catching yellow gown but sounded beautiful. Having never really listened to classical music, I was swept away by the elegance and my mind wandered as they played. I loved all the pieces, but André Previn’s piece stood out to me, I loved the change in notes that evoked a sense of passion. Though I had lower expectations because I hadn’t heard his name, I was truly captivated. I also loved the four seasons. I liked that the tones really related to the happiness or the chill of the seasons. Though I don’t know much about the structure of music, I know that it can kidnap your emotions and drag you away to everywhere and also a place in your mind where there is nothing, where your thoughts just wander. I was also amazed by the two encores that she played. I loved how she looked genuinely happy to be playing more, and I loved the first encore the best. I thought it was beautiful and flowy. Above all, I loved her smile and passionate gestures especially when she walked off at the end of the show with such confidence.

While I was drowning in the beauty of the music, I couldn’t help but be drawn to look up at the beautiful swirls and flowers carved into the building. I thought their swirling motions fit the flow of music and were aesthetically detailed and beautiful. The beauty of the building mingled and enhanced the beauty of the music.

I also loved to occasionally look at how the people around me took in the music. Did the sit back with eyes closed letting themselves drift or did they sit eagerly with head on hand admiring the movement of the players? Were they young or old? Dressed up or down? It made me wonder what is the proper way to listen, look and be. What I concluded is that this experience can be for everyone, there is no right or wrong way if you’re feeling the music and the beauty of Carnegie Hall.

Aside from the people around me, I also loved to watch the musicians and their variation of movement. They would move dramatically back and forth, jerk their arms, sway slightly all depending on the music. This movement drew me in because it captivated their passion for the music as well as the music itself. It astonished me to see how physical this all can be and what that movement says about the musician and the music.

Overall Carnegie Hall was beautiful and embodied its art.