There were four pieces presented at the symphony Friday, and all the composers spoke to the audience, except Beethoven, because he is [SPOILER] dead.
I think the two composers both used the word “Motif” and pronounced it closer to “motive” than “moh-teef.” This has shaken me to my core. Have I been saying it incorrectly all my life? Or is this a word like “Barcelona” or “Van Gogh” where only artists know the special secret pronunciation?
The two modern pieces were gorgeous in parts and there were parts where it sounded like the orchestra was being murdered. They had the misfortune of following Beethoven, because he wrote the first and last pieces. (The maestro called it a “Beethoven sandwich.”)
The best part of all was the pianist (from Finland!) who played the Beethoven Emperor Concerto. He had a lot to play, but there were sections in which the orchestra did all the work. It was amazing to watch him during that downtime.
He shook out his right hand as if it needed loosening.
He crossed his arms and clutched his elbows as if giving himself a hug of glee.
During a particularly good orchestral part he lowered his chin and peeked at the audience as if to say “Can you hear how good this is?”
Lots of love for him at the end. Two encores in which we got Ave Maria and a lively Finnish piece that finished (ha) abruptly.