It seems I am a few days behind in everything this week. I didn't mention Mother's Day until Wednesday, and now I am about to tell you about a philharmonic concert from last Saturday.
My orchestra performed its final concert of the season, a Broadway show featuring two soloists who grew up around here but are now in college. Incidentally, they both attend Eustacia's college, which has a well-known conservatory.
In this photo, which I lifted from Small Town Newspaper without permission, I am the third horn player from the left, such a feature, the photographer (mother of the soloist) cut off my head.
We played things from Carousel, Phantom of the Opera, Music Man, Candide... The soloists sang A Little Priest from Sweeney Todd, and it was a big hit. Because there was no 2nd horn part for that number, I could relax and listen. I couldn't relax and listen when we performed Glitter and Be Gay from Candide, though. The soloist was so expressive and so delightful in her performance, the audience gave her an immediate standing ovation. And wouldn't you know it, we had to play it again right there and then.
The following number was Send in the Clowns, typically not one of my favorite songs. After the excitement of the Candide piece, the audience was rustling around and giggly, and they had to be talked down before the Clowns song. Our conductor, who had chosen to sing the song himself, set the tone by quietly preparing the room. Then he sat down in a chair, summoned the guest conductor, and sang in such a mournful way like I've not heard the song before (this one I could listen to because I had no part to play). The house was quiet, and we listened to this man sing what seemed like words he had written himself, they were delivered so personally:
Don't you love farce?
My fault I fear.
I thought that you'd want what I want.
Sorry, my dear.
Isn't it rich?
Isn't it queer,
Losing my timing this late
In my career?
At the end, the audience joined in a Sound of Music sing-along. It was an interesting mix of emotion throughout the evening—comedy, drama, joy, heartbreak. That's Broadway for you. It covers all the bases.
My orchestra performed its final concert of the season, a Broadway show featuring two soloists who grew up around here but are now in college. Incidentally, they both attend Eustacia's college, which has a well-known conservatory.
In this photo, which I lifted from Small Town Newspaper without permission, I am the third horn player from the left, such a feature, the photographer (mother of the soloist) cut off my head.We played things from Carousel, Phantom of the Opera, Music Man, Candide... The soloists sang A Little Priest from Sweeney Todd, and it was a big hit. Because there was no 2nd horn part for that number, I could relax and listen. I couldn't relax and listen when we performed Glitter and Be Gay from Candide, though. The soloist was so expressive and so delightful in her performance, the audience gave her an immediate standing ovation. And wouldn't you know it, we had to play it again right there and then.
The following number was Send in the Clowns, typically not one of my favorite songs. After the excitement of the Candide piece, the audience was rustling around and giggly, and they had to be talked down before the Clowns song. Our conductor, who had chosen to sing the song himself, set the tone by quietly preparing the room. Then he sat down in a chair, summoned the guest conductor, and sang in such a mournful way like I've not heard the song before (this one I could listen to because I had no part to play). The house was quiet, and we listened to this man sing what seemed like words he had written himself, they were delivered so personally:
Don't you love farce?
My fault I fear.
I thought that you'd want what I want.
Sorry, my dear.
Isn't it rich?
Isn't it queer,
Losing my timing this late
In my career?
At the end, the audience joined in a Sound of Music sing-along. It was an interesting mix of emotion throughout the evening—comedy, drama, joy, heartbreak. That's Broadway for you. It covers all the bases.
Comments
We went to the Broadway Series at the Civic Center in Oklahoma City over the weekend and took the boys to The Lion King. The singers were so incredible and the costumes were just total eye candy. I guess I've been a little starved for the Arts because I teared up almost the whole way through! Have you seen it? So incredible.
I've always loved the song "Send in the Clowns", having been quite mournful myself for a number of years in my thirties (over lost babies and broken marriages). I'm very glad that you have a new appreciation for the song.
Shan, I appreciate your tears!! I am so like that at so many musical things...even when a big brass band plays "76 Trombones"...eek!! seriously.