yesterday the drake symphony orchestra read through beethoven's seventh symphony. . . for the first time. it did not go too well. what follows are some of the most memorable moments that ensued. (this is, of course, from the perspective of the cello section.)
the orchestra begins playing. the conductor stops everyone, then informs us that the piece is in a major. if half the ensemble is playing c natural and the other half is playing c sharp, the result is not a pretty one, and is defiantly not beethoven.
my stand partner informs me that i have been playing a bow stroke incorrectly for most of the piece. oops.
at a key moment in the first movement, someone in the bass or trumpet section says in a loud stage whisper: "dammit!"
before we read through the second movement, i tell my stand partner that it is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.
after we read through it, the conductor states that it was supposed to be one of the most beautiful pieces ever written.
before we go through the third movement, the conductor informs everyone about the repeats we will be taking. as soon as we start playing, half the orchestra misses the first repeat.
the conductor confesses to us that "this used be my favorite." we can only assume this is due to how well the rehearsal was going.
the hour was ended with a hearty encouragement for everyone to go and practice their part. for the sake of beethoven, i hope everyone does so.
No comments:
Post a Comment