Even though this is not a picture of my orchestra, it might give you the feeling of what it's like to play in an orchestra. It's an amazing experience. Hearing all of the instrumental tone colors and hearing how all our parts fit together as we perform the world's greatest symphonies simply can't be beat. We practice once a week and give 5 or 6 concerts every year between October and May.
Gustav Mahler, Composer
For our concert on Sunday, we are performing Mahler's 5th Symphony, a long and complex work with large numbers of instruments, including 8 French horns, and close to 90 players. There's lots of percussion in this piece -- very dramatic moments for bass drum alone or tympani alone. And some of the lyrical melodies are hauntingly beautiful. It's going to be a great experience (especially if we can play our best and not make too many mistakes!)
Again, not a picture of my orchestra, but try to imagine the sound of 8 French horns at once. It's a powerful sound!
2 comments:
About two years ago I saw Mahler's 5th Symphony at Carnegie Hall - I was amazed at how many people were on the stage.
Oh, yes -- amazing, isn't it? Lucky you, to live in New York -- to be able to see such concerts. Lucky me, living in Chicago to hear the great Chicago Symphony!
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