Peabody Symphony opens with a bang
Without any knowledge of the poem itself, the listener was still able to realize that there was a story behind the music, mostly thanks to Murai and his ability to really emphasize the poetry behind the notes. His clear understanding of the music allowed him not only to lead the orchestra but to really make it his own, a goal to which any great conductor should aspire.
Following the intermission the audience settled right in to embrace the more subtle and intricate "Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat major" by Jean Sibelius. Sibelius, while still considered one of the most popular composers of the 20th century, underwent significant criticism during most of his career, many critics arguing that his work lacked complexity. "Symphony No. 5" is an illustrative demonstration of Sibelius's talent as a composer.
The first movement of the piece experienced a troubled start at the concert, as the audience was clearly not as enthralled as it had been with the Strauss. By the end, though, most had forgotten that there even had been a preceding piece. The third movement includes one of Sibelius's most famous motifs, a simple but beautiful melody played at first by the flutes and the strings which are then joined by the horns just in time for what is known to be one of Sibelius's most original endings: Each of the last six chords receive a full beat followed by complete silence, a surprising but perfect conclusion to a wonderful piece of music. Walking out of the hall, one could hear those same four measures of the Sibelius motif being hummed by many concertgoers.
By the end of the concert, the overwhelming mood of Friedberg Hall could only be described as the feeling of knowing something was done just right. The music was not only played properly and correctly, but the orchestra was truly able to exhibit what the composers were attempting to convey with their works of art. The conductors brought out the best in the orchestra and the best in the music. If this is at all a sign of things to come, we can definitely expect great things from the Peabody Symphony Orchestra this season.
Following the intermission the audience settled right in to embrace the more subtle and intricate "Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat major" by Jean Sibelius. Sibelius, while still considered one of the most popular composers of the 20th century, underwent significant criticism during most of his career, many critics arguing that his work lacked complexity. "Symphony No. 5" is an illustrative demonstration of Sibelius's talent as a composer.
The first movement of the piece experienced a troubled start at the concert, as the audience was clearly not as enthralled as it had been with the Strauss. By the end, though, most had forgotten that there even had been a preceding piece. The third movement includes one of Sibelius's most famous motifs, a simple but beautiful melody played at first by the flutes and the strings which are then joined by the horns just in time for what is known to be one of Sibelius's most original endings: Each of the last six chords receive a full beat followed by complete silence, a surprising but perfect conclusion to a wonderful piece of music. Walking out of the hall, one could hear those same four measures of the Sibelius motif being hummed by many concertgoers.
By the end of the concert, the overwhelming mood of Friedberg Hall could only be described as the feeling of knowing something was done just right. The music was not only played properly and correctly, but the orchestra was truly able to exhibit what the composers were attempting to convey with their works of art. The conductors brought out the best in the orchestra and the best in the music. If this is at all a sign of things to come, we can definitely expect great things from the Peabody Symphony Orchestra this season.
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