A Magnificent (Seven) Concert
By Matthew Heil
Public Relations Manager
As I was preparing for this week's concerts, I had a thought: The Magnificent Seven, didn't the orchestra perform that before? For you longstanding orchestra attendees, what I'm thinking of will be obvious. In 1994, under the baton of Maestro James Sedares, the orchestra recorded music from The Magnificent Seven. In fact, in my rummaging I discovered that we still have actual cassettes--I think all the CDs must be at our Symphony Hall gift shop--and quite a few. Those of you who haven't fully converted to the modern era can get them at the box office!
This week's concerts we return to The Magnificent Seven, and add in a healthy dose of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, and you've got a Hollywood music concert not to be missed! Additionally, audiences will hear Erich Korngold's Violin Concerto performed by Phoenix Symphony concertmaster Borivoj “Boro” Martinić-Jerčić.
Hollywood here we come!
6 Comments:
WOW. This will be a first. The Symphony Gift Shop selling CDs of the very piece on the program that was recorded by the PSO itself a generation ago. (By the way, are you guys 'giving away' those cassettes?)
As far as I know, the PSO hasn't performed Herrmann's Symphony No. 1; Schuman's New England Triptych; Copland's Suite from The Tender Land, 3 Latin-American Sketches, Suite from The Red Pony; or Daniel Asia's Symphony No. 2, Symphony No. 3 since those CDs were released. Maybe it's time to have a retrospective concert featuring some of those pieces as conducted by our new Maestro.
Wouldn't it be "Maginificent" if at least "Seven" of the Phoenix Symphony's current musicians ("old timers") whose name appears on the CD insert could come out with their pens slinging and autograph this CD in the lobby on Thursday and Friday nights after the concert? I'd bet you sell out your entire stock!
Sonny the Cat presents a Special Guest Columnist: "MTGRIZ"
MY FIRST SYMPHONY
On May 4, 2007, at age 65, I attended my first symphony as the guest of Sonny the Cat. Although I had to pay for my ticket, he bribed me by buying dinner at Majerle’s before the concert.
My first impression was that this is a marvelous venue and you realize that you are indeed in a big city. We had front row seats. Prior to the concert, my biggest curiosity was how the knife sound in Psycho was made. One of the front row violinists, while warming up, took the time to come over and show me how it was done.
I was in awe when the music started. Most of my experiences have been at sporting events. But here, I saw that the musicians were as talented and dedicated as any athlete I have ever watched. Most impressive was the intensity at which the musicians played. My favorites were the violinists, especially the piece played by Borivoj Martinic-Jercic. I was disappointed to find out that he is leaving at the end or the season.
My untrained ear is not sufficient to rate one piece over the other. I just enjoyed all of them. The music was not only pleasant to listen to but also uplifting. Contrary to what one of the speakers said at the start, Sanjaya can’t even come close in entertainment value. I even enjoyed watching the service dog.
There seems to be some criticism about the Magnificent Seven by Bernstein, but I enjoyed seeing so many different musical instruments being played and the effort that it must have taken to put it altogether. We had moved up into the balcony so I could see everybody. The conductor deserves loud applause for making it all work.
Although I was skeptical at first, I enjoyed the evening as much as any sporting event and fully intend to come back.
Hmmm...the ever elusive Sonny the Cat was sitting in the first row with a guest. Was he, by chance, wearing a black and blue "Cosby" sweater?
No sweaters for the furry Cat in this climate! My attire of choice: "polo" office casual. I put on "walking billboard" T's for special occasions, such as the Ballgame Concert. Never the elusive one. Just click on "sonny the cat" for basic personal and contact info. Free consultations!
Polos huh....okay, so Sonny must have been wearing the lime green polo shirt at the Beethoven's Fifth performance. Much better than a Cosby sweater. And since we're on the subject, ladies please leave the bedazzled sweaters at home.
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