BSO, review by Kara L’Heureux

Entering the Symphony World 
By Kara L’Heureux

You have entered a world that is the closest things to magic that we have. I have never been to any symphony before, I was unaware if I would stay awake the whole time, but sitting in that room surrounded in the most beautiful, epic, and out of this worldly music I couldn’t help but be entranced and fall in love with the symphony.

The grand hall that holds the Boston Symphony Orchestra is the Symphony Hall. This hall is grand with its high molded ceilings, marble statues towering above the audience, and a stage complete with a ginormous organ.  The atmosphere in that room was one of elegance.

The first symphony was Mozart NO. 41 in C “Jupiter”. This piece was as classical as it gets. It had a sea of violins divided into two sections and several other string instruments that took attention. This symphony was long but elegant and had many rising and falling motions. It was a beautiful way to start the night.

The next piece was by Augusta Reed Thomas, who was in the house that night for the world premiere of Cello Concerto NO.3 “Legend of The Phoenix”. This Piece was a more modern turn to the night. With soloist Lynn Harrell who played the cello hauntingly the piece was dark and screeching but mesmerizing with its touches of light.  For its world premiere the audience was  on their feet for many bows and loved the strange but magical piece.

After the modern piece came the epic ballad by Saint-Saens, Symphony NO. 3 in C minor, opus 78, “Organ Symphony”. This one was close to a movie soundtrack, it carried a vary of emotions and showed many different sections through many ways. To top it all off Organist Oliver Latry accompanied the orchestra and gave this song a deep rich feel. Many audience members were brought to tears at the performance.

The entire symphony was conducted by Christophe Eschenbach, who led the orchestra with his swift and elegant movements. The orchestra preformed its own kind of dance as they move in unison moving their hands and heads as they played. The change of instruments in between songs was mechanical and machine like as the performers switched chairs.

You go to the symphony for two reasons, one for the music and the other for the experience. The music fills the room and pulls you into a new world. It captivates and sparks imagination as you listen and space out to another world. It’s a new experience I encourage everyone to try.