I went to a concert held at the Isaac Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall in New York. As expected, the acoustics of this hall are excellent. The highlight of the concert was Ralph Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony.
This symphony is rarely performed in Japan. It is a symphony with a full chorus, and has an oratorio-like color. This opening is very cool. It starts with a short fanfare, and then suddenly, the full chorus sings "Behold the Sea" a cappella fortissimo. The timpa rolls, and the strings play a loud, wave-like melody. It feels like a ship cutting through the ocean waves.
This song has been released on CD with the same combination as today, so please give it a listen. However, with a song this large, you can't really understand it unless you hear it live. I hope they'll perform it in Japan too. It's one of the songs I'd love to hear again.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Organized by: Canegie Hall
Date: November 2004, 5, 1:8 pm
Conductor: Robert Spano
Cast: Christine Brewer (sop.), Brett Polegato (bar), Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorusprogram:
Oliver Knussen (b.1952) \”The Way to Castle Yonder\” from Higglety Pigglety Pop! (1990) I. The Journey to the Big White House —
II. No Traumatic Music —
III. The Ride to Castle YonderCalude Debussy (1862-1918) Three Nocturnes for Orchestra (1987-99)
I. Nuages
II. Fetes
III. Sirenes
Women of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra ChorusIntermission
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) A Sea Symphony (1903-09)
I. A Song for All Seas, All Ships
II. On the Beach at Night Alone
III. Scherzo: The Waves
IV. The Explorers
Christine Brewer, Soprano
Brett Polegato, Baritone
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus