mother nature is a man and other observations..

London Philharmonic Orchestra..Carnegie Hall..Rachmaninoff.Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Vladimir Jurowski, Principal Conductor and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Piano.

There are those moments when music and art can overwhelm your emotions. Almost a sensory overload. I have always said how grateful I am to be living in New York City, where I moved ten years ago after my husbands sudden death. Having such a wealth of cultural activities to do has been one of my passions. To quote  a line  about the Rachmaninoff piece….”This is a memorable melody with a strong, simple harmonic outline, designed by Paganini himself as a theme for variations.Using this theme, Rachmaninoff creates a series of 23 of his own variations–an unusual application of the title “Rhapsody.” though this is perhaps justified by the freedom with which the theme is treated, especially in the latter stages of the piece.”  The conductor was born in Moscow in 1972. His passion for the music  was brilliant and the audience gave him a standing ovation and continued to applaud until he did an encore.  The pianist was equally magnificent in his passionate playing. The orchestra is recognized as one of the finest orchestras on the international stage. Quite a combination of talent and needless to say it was an exhilarating experience.

This piece is has always been one of my favorites. It was yours as well and we experienced so many times together. I know you weren’t with me in person, but your energy was and we did exalt together , but apart.

Berliner Philharmoniker….Sir Simon Rattle…Music Director and Conductor

Living in New York City allows  me the joy and opportunity to experience and exalt in wonderful Carnegie Hall. Most recently Rachmaninoff, Symphonic  Dances and  Stravinsky, The Firebird. I certainly don’t pretend to be a music critic, and my enjoyment is far more emotional than intellectual. I don’t  know every nuance of the pieces, but according to the New York Times, I knew I was in for a treat. Just to be at Carnegie Hall is both a splendor and magical experience. The sound perfection wherever you are seated. For music lovers, I quote….”Rachmaninoff’s  Symphonic dances is his last major work, a dazzling three movement orchestral showpiece bursting with color and intense lyricism that weaves threads of Russian Orthodox chant with the harrowing  Dies Irae, resulting in a vibrant finale. Stravinsky’s  The Firebird, the first of the great ballets he wrote for Sergei Diaghilev  is cinematic in its vivid depiction of monsters and infernal dances and concludes with one of the most thrilling endings in all of music.” ….and then the brilliant conductor Sir Simon Rattle. When he took the orchestra’s helm in 2002 he initiated the Education Program to ensure that the Berliner Philharmoniker  reached a wider, younger audience. A special passion is to bring the work and music to young people from different social and cultural backgrounds.

Once upon a time, my memories of Carnegie Hall began with my husband. In ten years since he has died, every time I go, he is with me. His energy envelopes the Hall and gives me the feeling of listening to the music with rapture and sadness.  We held hands when the music touched us at the same time. The emotions evoked by the majestic sounds of the music are a gentle melding of memories  and missing…. But so forever  grateful to be in this place, in this city, with a dear childhood  friend, and rejoicing in the moment. Sheer joy!!!!