I rarely attend concerts. It is not that I have no interest in music but rather than I have interest in things besides music. Being “seen” by the appropriate people is definitely not on that list. Playing with my kids is. So it takes a lot to get me out the door for an evening of classical fun. Thank God it happened Tuesday…..
There are two ways that I generally get roped into going to a concert: 1) the concert features music I might never get the chance to hear live again; and 2) someone very close to me is playing. Tuesday night had both. The American Guild of Organists was in town. I have been a fan of the King of Instruments since day 1. I remember seeing Virgil Fox live multiple times, and if I had it all over to do again I’d be practicing my pedal technique right now rather than writing this blog. Conducting orchestras is fun, but playing Bach on a great tracker is the best there is. What made the AGO concert on Tuesday night most interesting was that it was in celebration of the centenary of Olivier Messiaen and not a single piece of organ music was played. The other thing that made it interesting was that my wife was playing. So off to Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis.
For me, Messiaen was one of the most unique voices in all of music. I love his concept of harmony, pacing, and his ability to surprise my ears. I am also deeply intrigued by his love of nature and the effect that his faith had on the music he composed. To hear an evening of his chamber music was too good of an opportunity to pass up. The program:
Theme & Variations (Violin/Piano) – Stephanie Arado/Judy Lin
Poemes pour Mi (3 selections) – Tracey Gorman/Sonja Thompson
Vingt Regards sur l-Enfant-Jesus (3 selections) – Lydia Artymiw
Quatour pour la fin du Temps (2 movements) – Jennifer Gerth/Stephanie Arado/ Judy Lin
Fetes des Belles Eaux – L’Ensemble d’Ondes de Montreal
The first thing to notice is that everyone, with the exception of the 4th Ondes, was female. And all the ladies were absolutely amazing. Special kudows must go to Lydia, a tremendous pianist on the faculty of the University of Minnesota who I have worked with before as soloist/conductor. I saw her after the concert and she said it was the first time she had played any of the Vingt Regards and, frankly, she should get onto learning the other 17. Stephanie (Asst. Concertmaster, M.O.) and Sonja (Faculty, Augsburg College) are also old friends and colleagues, and it was a personal pleasure hearing my wife absolutely abuse the Orchestra Hall acoustics during her fabulous rendition of the Abime des Oiseaux from EOT. Bravo to all.
But the truly eye (ear?) popping moment was the last piece which featured – and I can’t believe I’m writing this – six Ondes Martenots! Of course the ensemble would have to be from Montreal. Where else? What a wild experience! I won’t claim that it was the best piece by Messiaen I’ve ever heard but it was certainly one of the most interesting musical experiences of my lifetime. The sounds of the Ondes are so unique, and to hear what a master like Messiaen could do with a full ensemble was just remarkable. I must quote one of my friends at Orchestra Hall:
“yes.. I smoked a joint with Cage on Sue Weil’s porch….
yes.. I have Mort Subotnik’s home phone number…..
6 ondes… priceless”
And that, as they say, is that. So a very Happy Centenary to one of the great voices in music – Olivier Messiaen. Kudos to all the Ladies (and one gentleman) who performed Tuesday, and Bravo to the AGO for some very innovative programming. May all our lives be filled with birdsong………