Fine Music - Orchestra, Big Band, Classical and Such

[Tom22]

It's a delicate dance, which is why when the result is good, great, or better, it's such a delight! But you know this, Tom.

yep we're on the same page

I do wonder if you haven't mistaken a "command performance" with "standing ovation."

But again, congrats on your discovery!

I didn't really mean "command performance" in it's traditional sense but more of "what should be expected of the greats on a great occasion" ...

I meant "great performance" as in.. one that perhaps the musicians themselves would reminisce on as being one of their greatest ever of the work when they're in their rocking chairs in the old age homes.... ; ) All pro works are "great" (that is why they're professionals") but a term for "great among greats" or something. I used the term "command performance" that way, when really it is more about the quality of those invited than the result I suppose.

I certainly would have given that performance and ovation by standards I'm accustomed to but we starry-eyed Californians can be a bit more openly effusive than those Germans with their tight lipped Teutonic demeanor.

Ovations can be given "on a curve"... i.e. a local symphony playing beyond their capacity or a youth group showing huge promise can deserve enthusiastic ovations without anyone thinking that meant they had seen a legendary performance.

And the opportunity to hear some performers play an encore is just so tempting that .... I can't imagine not giving some great like Isaac Perleman a standing ovation.. if only out of respect for his recordings , gratitude for his visit etc,

and, by tradition when I used to go to the LA phillharmonic and SF symphony, well, if there weren't at least a few curtain calls you'd think it was a terrible performance...

I definitely remember some sheepish encores and feeling obligated to keep clapping to save the person coming on for another call to have the applause wain and leave them standing there with the flowers in a quieter room as people began leaving... or worse if people started leaving while they came out to play the encore.

So, re ovation, no.. people standing up out of their seats clapping and 5 curtain calls does not mean people have just seen something legendary.. that's just a "pretty good" day at the SF symphony (unless that has changed in the last 20 years). Many "true" (would be? ) music aficionados would sit around and savor what they just heard sometimes by discussing its flaws... at least 19 to 20 year old ones who fancied themselves knowledgeable and who attacked it like a hobby, having listened to the pieces that would be performed repeatedly in the weeks before the concert and ready to discern the minutia in the decisions.

; )

---

How exciting for your niece to be able to perform at Carnegie Hall. She must have such a feeling of accomplishment after this. Not to mention what a great addition mentioning this performance on a college application or resume will make.

Congrats to your niece, and thanks for sharing this with us Tusk!

Dittos from me Tusk.. impressive recording too.

I enjoyed that "new" composition too.. which is something I won't always say about "'' new "' "classical music" (even Bartok is questionable for me .. : ) )

I 'll listen to the whole thing later but wanted to share my appreciation in case I don't check in for a week or two.