January 2007
January 31, 2007 14:18
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January 29, 2007 19:01
Prologue:
As some of you know, I fell ill on Thursday January 25; a mere two days before I was supposed to attend a concert of Joshua Bell in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ironically I hadn’t been sick in over six months. I didn’t think it would be a big deal; normally I get over colds within a day or two, but this cold was malevolent. I stayed home from school on Thursday thinking that, I would be going to school on Friday, but I was much worse Friday. My mother was sicker too and we were contemplating not going because Iowa is over five hours from Kansas (where I live). I ate triple servings of fruit that day and drank lots of tea. That night, bedtime was 8:00 pm. On Saturday morning I woke up and felt miraculously better! My stuffy nose had vanished, my headache was gone, and my fever was nonexistent! I leaped out of bed with vitality I hadn’t felt since Christmas and got ready for the car ride up to Iowa. As I was getting ready, the phone rang. ‘Heck, I’m feeling so good, I’ll just answer it!’ With a smile and deep breath, I picked up the phone. “Helllooooo?” I croaked. Something was terribly wrong. My voice! What happened to my voice?! I didn’t sound excited or energetic, but rather, the opposite: death in the flesh. My poor voice had become scratchy and broken. ‘Ah,’ I thought ‘And there’s the catch.’
Because my only ailment was my voice, my mom and I drove to Iowa as planned. I really owe my mom; she was still feeling lousy. In the most extreme attempt I have ever made to achieve a speedy recovery, I drank: 4 juice boxes, 2 bottles of water, and a Frapuccino. While on the way, Colleen, who we were going to the concert with, called me. “Wow, you don’t sound so good. Josh Bell is going to think you’re retarded!!” She said, not really joking. “Thanks, Colleen.” I replied, laughing/cackling, “You certainly do wonders for my self-confidence.”
At about 4:00 pm when we were almost there and I had given up all hope of the return of my voice, my voice began to creep back! If I continued to suck on throat lozenges and drink my weight in liquids, maybe, just maybe, it would be back by the evening…
Concert:
My voice was, for the most part, back. It was very touchy, though. Too much talking or too little liquid and it reverted to its raspy, froggy state. Colleen, her mom, my mom, and I had eaten dinner and were in the lobby of Gallagher-Bluedorn Hall. Colleen and I ordered tickets for this concert in July, but neither of us remembered where they were. Colleen came back with the tickets from Will-Call. “Uh, Syd? Are you going to kill me if they are too close?” She said cautiously. “Psh, no.” I said. I remembered something about the 6th or 7th row, which was fine. “We’re in the second row!” Colleen said. As we made our way to our seats, I began to get nervous. Closer…closer…closer… Ten feet from the stage were our seats. Good gravy.
Some men come out onto the stage and talk about stuff. I say “stuff” because I have no idea what they were talking about. I was about to die of anticipation! After what seemed like an eternity, they walked off. All of a sudden, Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk stride onto the stage! Whenever this happens with most famous artists, I can’t keep myself from thinking “Wow! They’re actually real!!” I guess I’m relieved that they aren’t just people of legend. After they acknowledge the applause, they wait a little to prepare for the piece.
Joshua is poised, his bow hovering over the strings and Jeremy is watching him intently. With a breath, the turbulent Schumann Sonata No. 1 begins. For the first minute or so, I am trying to get accustomed to how much Josh and Jeremy move. I am amazed at Josh’s ability to move so much without producing extraneous noises. Nonetheless, they are a lot of fun to watch! At the end of the first movement, I restrain myself from applauding only because I know it’s not good concert etiquette. Apparently the audience doesn’t know that, though. Applause echoes throughout the hall and Josh stares across the audience, his bow in the air and even mouths the word “No”, but to no avail. It’s very obvious that he doesn’t want a break between movements, but the audience can’t grasp that concept. The way Josh is looking at the audience, it wouldn’t have seemed completely strange to me if he had fallen to his knees and yelled “Noooooooooo!” But the sonata continues with a more peaceful second movement. After that movement ends and the audience applauds again. Josh tries to quiet them, but the audience is totally clueless! The third movement really showcases the intensity the duo plays with. It actually looked as though they might attack each other! The sonata ends brilliantly and, this time, the audience is correct in their applause efforts. I’m really glad that Josh chose to perform the Schumann. I had never heard of it before, but it’s just beautiful.
The carefree first movement of the Beethoven Sonata No. 10 begins. It’s much less intense than the Schumann, but very aesthetically pleasing. Josh and Jeremy play it with such lyricism and it’s quite relaxing to listen to. At the end of the first movement, I’m brought back to reality by the audience’s enthusiastic applause. Colleen gives me a very alarmed look and I double over in silent laughter because I can’t believe the audience still hasn’t caught on. Josh is smiling too. The rest of the sonata is wonderful, but one thing sticks out in particular: The ability Josh has to make every note count. I heard this great quote once “Artistry is measured by the number of notes one cares about.” And Josh cared about every note.
At intermission, nothing much happens. The only thing is, my voice is fading fast after being deprived of liquids for almost an hour.
Back in our seats, I notice a huge piece of cardboard sitting on the stand. It’s covered in about seven pages of music! Joshua and Jeremy return to the stage. It’s time to hear the 6 month old Meyer Sonata! It’s a very intricate sonata quite exhilarating. And the cardboard of music? That was just the fourth movement! The fourth movement… that was amazing. Only a true virtuoso would be able to play – or write – that. It’s just awesome and I loved it. Any of you who are going to see it are in for a real treat. And, Josh trained the audience in this one! Between the second and third movement, Josh waves his bow while holding it in the air and the applause stops.
Josh briefly announced the next piece on the program – Vocalise. As he plays, it seems the audience is lulled into a dreamlike state. The tone lingers a while in the air before the clapping begins. The next VOTV piece is Estrellita. The notes shimmer through the hall like stars. My mom is convinced that it sounds like something Kreisler copied. I’m very grateful about the selection of the final piece, Introduction and Tarantella by Sarasate, because he played this at the last concert of his I was at. At that concert, I hadn’t even heard of I&T, but I was blown away by it. Since then (September 2005), I have become a classical music junkie. How does he play so fast? It looks easy when he does it, but obviously it’s not. The audience gives him a standing ovation almost immediately and we are granted an encore – None But the Lonely Heart. The tones are so rich and warm that I would have been content just sitting in my seat the rest of the night thinking about them. Alas, it’s over too soon and the audience is filtering into the foyer.
Aftermath:
As Colleen and I get into line, I realize that there is no way I will be able to say all of the things I have on my mind. I had the same accompanist Josh had in KC for a competition a week before, my orchestra is playing “Morgen!” (I’m on the solo violin!), and I’m wondering what he’s playing in 2008. Pick and choose, Syd. Colleen buys Voice of the Violin and we are quickly approaching the table.
One person is in front of us – a kid, but he’s having some trouble getting the wrapping off the CD and gets out of line. Colleen rushes up to Josh partially pushing me along. She introduces herself reminding him of how they met backstage in Chicago (I wondered if they remembered how that happened, haha) and then Colleen goes “And this is…” referring to me. Josh turns his attention to me. I take a deep breath, hoping my voice will not act up. “I’m Sydney. I was trying to get you on Oprah.” The cloud of confusion gives way to dawning comprehension and a smile. “Oh!” He exclaims, hugging me. “Thanks.” Then we talk about the audience’s clapping problems a little as he signs our Cds. “They didn’t clap.” My mom says, referring to Colleen and me (although she failed to say “between movements”). I suddenly notice Jeremy sitting next to Josh. ‘Oh my gosh!’ I think, feeling terrible. ‘How did I forget him?’ “You guys play really well together.” I say. “Thanks.” They both respond in unison. “I really liked the Meyer piece.” I continue. “Yeah, it’s great isn’t it?” Josh responds. “I especially liked the fourth movement.” I reply. Josh and Jeremy both laugh at this and I think this is because it was deathly difficult. Then ‘twas time for pictures!
I’m looking (without pupils), but he’s not:
He’s looking, but I’m not (again, without pupils):
Colleen, Josh, and me (and I lack pupils):
It never fails. I always lose my pupils in pictures with Joshua Bell. Colleen had a theory: “His playing is so amazing that your pupils just vanish!”
As we’re leaving, Josh says “It was nice having you guys in the audience.” Colleen says something about seeing him in 2008 which makes me remember one of my questions. “Oh yeah!” I say, turning around. “Do you know what you’re playing for that?” I actually don’t expect him to know, but it’s worth a shot. “Uh, the Corigliano Chaconne…” He names some more works, but I don’t remember because I’m taken by surprise. I was expecting him to say _____ Concerto. At any rate, it doesn’t sound like a normal concert and I’m looking forward to it!
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January 21, 2007 12:18
I’m sorry about the monster entry, but the concert I was at last night was jaw dropping and awe-inspiring and this is the best way I can think of to do it justice. Luckily, fellow v.commer Maura Gerety also got to enjoy the show! But it all began Friday...
Friday December 19 (Open rehearsal) -
Michael Stern, the Kansas City Symphony's conductor, walks on stage and greets the audience. He's a very personable man and speaks well. The rehearsal begins with Charles Ives' Three Places in New England. It's a tone poem and not my favorite classical piece, although, I'll admit it was very interesting (especially after hearing the commentary on Saturday). My favorite movement was the second with a jubilant circus theme. About 20 minutes into the rehearsal of the Ives, a violinist walks onto the stage. 'Gosh! He's late!' I think, but as he faces the audience, I realize that it's Barnabás Kelemen! He leaves the stage and I lean over and whisper to my mom what just happened. "Barnabás Kelemen was just on stage, but I thought he was a symphony violinist and then I saw him and I was like - Oh my gosh!!" I said "oh my gosh!" not only because that was my reaction, but also because Kelemen just came through a door on the audience's level and was walking through the chairs towards some people seated in the middle of the auditorium. He begins to talk to what looks like his wife and parents and small daughter. The Ives rehearsal ends and Barnabás leaves the audience and walks onto the stage. The eerie, beautiful Sibelius Violin Concerto begins. Barnabás plays it excellently, but it was only a taste of what was coming on Saturday.
Stern and Kelemen answer questions from the audience during "intermission." The audience is composed of middle/high school students and some of the questions were funny. For example:
Kid 1: "Why did you get him?" ("him" being Barnabás)
Stern: "Because he's GOOD!"
Kid 2: "Do you get paid?"
Stern: "Um, yes. This is work. It takes a lot of work to become a musician and it's very hard to get into this orchestra."
Kid 2: "How much do you make?"
Stern: (in a joking way) "That's none of your business!"
I asked a question too.
Me: "I've heard that the Sibelius is one of the hardest violin concertos. Would you say that's true?"
Stern: "Yes, because the violin has to do things that it doesn't normally do...are you a violinist?"
Me: "Yes."
Stern: "Have you played the Sibelius?"
Me: "No!"
Stern: "I think you should study it."
Me: "Hahaha, I hope to someday."
Somebody asked Barnabás how long it took him to learn the Sibelius.
Kelemen: "Honestly, to learn the notes, I would say seven days."
Saturday January 20 (concert) -
My family and I arrive at Lyric Theater shortly before 7:00 pm to attend the pre-concert talk. My mom is buying a CD and I walk up to her just as some other girl and her mom are buying a CD. As I talk to my mom, the girl glances at me. Could it be...? "Sydney?" She asks. "Yes?" I respond. "Hi! I'm Maura Gerety." We had arranged to meet at this concert a couple of weeks before, we just hadn't decided on a time and place. She's really nice and a lot closer to my age than I had expected her to be. Her writing on here made me think she was at least college age, but she is only a year older than me. Maura and her mom are really nice and I'm very glad I knew ahead of time that she was attending this concert.
We all sit in the hall about 5 rows from the stage and the symphony director, Michael Stern, and Barnabás Kelemen enter the stage. They talk about the Sibelius and Barnabás first because he had to go warm up. The State of Hungary gave his Guarneri to him for a few years until they “examine” him to decide if he can continue to play it. They talk some more about the Sibelius and then it’s time to answer questions. The first lady asks for audition tips. Maura and I find this an incredibly helpful question as we both had auditions earlier that day. Kelemen says “If you want a short answer: practice. If you want a long answer: Practice, practice, practice.” The audience laughs. Stern says it’s important to remember why you love the music. Then someone asks Barnabás “How old are you?!” I can see why this question is asked because Barnabás looks quite boyish. Michael suddenly responds, “I’m in my early thirties.” smiling and stroking his hair. “Not YOU, Michael!” The audience member replies. “I’m 28.” Barnabás says, grinning. Then Barnabás leaves with his lovely Guarneri. Stern and the symphony commence with speaking about the Ives. It’s basically about the Civil War and marching soldiers. After they discuss the Ives more in-depth, they ask for questions again. Nobody raises his hand. “Going once…” the symphony director says. My hand shoots up. “Yes?” I remember what Stern had said earlier about picturing soldiers marching and statues turning real and ask “I had a clinician once who said that it was very important to have a picture in your head while you are playing music or else it won’t sound like anything. Is that true?” Stern answers my question very well and to sum it up you should not CREATE an image to fit with the music, but rather listen to the music and have your image reflect what you’re hearing. We left for our real seats and the orchestra members began to drift onto the stage.
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Kansas City Symphony, so there was a brief recognition before the concert began. Stern then talked about his selection of the Ives and Three Places in New England began. It’s a very somber piece except for the middle movement, which is, like I said before, like a circus. It ends and applause echoes throughout the hall. The first chair and her stand partner move their stand back to get ready for Barnabás.
Stern and Kelemen return to the stage. Kelemen is attired in a long, black Paganini coat and red tie and a red cumberbund. The opening snowflakes of the Sibelius whisper through the hall and Kelemen’s violin enters, singing above it, resonating throughout the hall. His virtuosity is something to be coveted by all. I like his style more than the other two recordings I have (Perlman and Bell). The runs and string crossings appear easy with a relaxed hand and flicking wrist (something I constantly struggle with). The cadenza begins and I can tell the entire audience is captivated. Even my brother, who is not a classical fan, was leaning forward in his seat, entranced. Kelemen draws the audience in rather than playing out. The first movement ends in a whirlwind of double stops and Kelemen closes perfectly with the orchestra on the final note, glancing up at Stern to make sure everyone ends together. The second movement really showcased Kelemen’s violin and its ability to produce “spun gold.” I loved the way he slid into some of the shifts. It wasn’t really schmaltzy, but there isn’t a good way to describe it, other than in Maura’s words, “tasteful schmaltz.” The third movement begins with the “run pony” rhythm. It’s faster than I have ever heard, but very clean. I am in awe at how Kelemen fits all the arpeggios and scales into the small amount of time allotted to him. He seems to enjoy playing very much and it looks as though the Sibelius is child’s play for him. Again, Kelemen ends perfectly with the orchestra and is almost immediately given a standing ovation. He comes out 3 times and finally grants us an encore. It is Bach’s Serabande from the D-minor sonata or partita. Once again, the audience is drawn in and he easily projects throughout the hall. The audience responds with wild applause again and then it’s time for intermission.
I run into Maura and her mom coming down the stairs. We are both in shock. “That was amazing!” we say to each other, beaming. We can’t wait to meet him. Maura and I stand by the signing table jabbering about how good it was as we wait for Kelemen to emerge. Suddenly Maura goes “Oh!” And I turn around to see Barnabás standing right behind me at the table. Maura greets him first, talking to him in Hungarian. He seems happy to find a Hungarian speaker in the audience. They get a picture and then it’s my turn. “Your Sibelius was amazing!” I blurt out. “Thank you!” He grins, signing my CD. “I was sitting in the back of the hall and I could hear you perfectly.” I continue. “You project excellently…can I get a picture?” “Sure.” He says and we pose…
Then Maura and I wait until the line dwindles so that we can talk to him some more and get another picture with both of us. Meanwhile, Maura and I get a picture.
Then we get another picture with Barnabás. He was really friendly!
As Maura and her mom talk to him more about Budapest, I interrupt their intelligent conversation by saying “Hey! I can see your whole face!” They look at me as I hold up my CD to Barnabás’ face and the picture is complete. My revelation could not go unnoticed!
Barnabás left the building and Maura and I bid each other farewell as the next half of the concert began. Kansas City Symphony played Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony with coherency and poise. It was very majestic and was played very cleanly. Michael Stern was completely without music for this symphony. My brother kept laughing during the first movement when they would play the four most famous notes in classical music: dun dun dun DAAAH! My favorite, however, was the fourth movement with the whole strings section playing a couple of measures in unison completely together. It was so neat to see all the bows going in the same direction! It ended with Stern coming out for three curtain calls, but, alas, no encore.
I wish I could go and see the concert again today, but snow prevents my parents from allowing it (along with the fact that the theater is half an hour away). It was a wonderful evening and part of me wishes that it did never end!
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January 13, 2007 19:44
I just recieved the most horrible news. I was checking the Missouri Theater's website to see what Hilary Hahn was playing and it said Due to winter weather, the Hilary Hahn/Valentina Lisitsa concert scheduled for Sunday, January 14, 2007 has been cancelled. I am so disappointed! Hilary Hahn is one of my favorite violinists and I was so excited to hear her live. Thankfully I have two other great concerts to look forward to.
In other news, the accompanist I have for the concerto competition was Joshua Bell's accompanist when Bell came to Kansas City in 2005!
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January 10, 2007 16:27
My normal accompanist is unavailable on the day of a competition and so I was on the search for one. I got names from my teacher and my normal accompanist. I am stuck deciding between two of them (who I just talked to). There are no obvious differences in price or distances. The thing is, one of the pianists is accompanying somebody else at the competition. He is also the more well-known of the two.
My parents are leaving it up to me. WHO?!
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January 7, 2007 16:18
My first all-state audition was yesterday. I couldn't audition last year because I was in Germany. Technically, I wasn't supposed to find out the results until Wednesday, but my orchestra teacher works in the tabulating room and saw all the results. Turns out, I came in the top 10 people!!! I must say, to be considered one of the top 10 violinists in the state feels really good. On February 22 are the actual seating auditions. Apparently I have a real shot at making concertmaster!
In other news, the accompanist who I was supposed to have for the symphony audition is not available, so she gave us the names of two other pianists in the area. Hopefully one of them will work out well. TBC...
One week 'til Hilary Hahn!
PS - I wore my v.com shirt at all-state, so perhaps some of that advertising will pay off ;-)
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January 5, 2007 16:39
Perhaps not the first time in my life ;-) But this time I FEEL spoiled. I'm sure you'll agree with me, too. It began last year when I heard that Barnabas Kelemen would be playing the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the Kansas City Symphony. Now that's a concerto I definitely wouldn't want to miss live. So, I asked my friend's dad for tickets and got them free! Although, I definitely would have payed for them if I had to. Fellow v.commer Maura Gerety will also be attending. Then, in July, I found out that there was going to be a recital in Iowa that I really wanted to attend and since Colleen lives in Iowa I organized a trip up there. You'll find out more about this later... Most recently, I was browsing Hilary Hahn's website and found out that she was giving a concert in Missouri! I mentioned that to my parents, but I didn't think that they would buy tickets and I didn't expect them to either (because of the two other concerts), but for my straight A's, I get to go on January 14!
WOOHOO!!!
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January 1, 2007 18:10
For Christmas I recieved my very own Violinist.com t-shirt!
I haven't seen any pictures of v.commers in their shirts yet (with the exception of Ben Clapton on his Myspace). Kansas was unseasonably warm this time of year, so I saw Al Gore's documentary "An Inconvenient Truth". VERY enlightening. I highly recommend seeing it if you have not.
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More entries: February 2007 • December 2006
