What a treat we got last weekend: a fabulous concert by the Vancouver Symphony orchestra. The concert featured two pieces, symphonies by Joseph Haydn and Antonin Dvorak.
Haydn’s “Farewell” symphony was new to me. “Sounds Mozarty,” I whispered to my husband. “Actually,” he responded, “Mozart often sounds Haydny.” At the beginning of the fourth movement, the lights went down, and the orchestra was lighted only by small lights on the music stands. The musicians quietly stood, one by one and later two or three at a time, turned off their little lights, and left the stage. Finally, Maestro Salvador Brotons and two violinists were left, and then the maestro walked away! The violins reached the finish by themselves. It was a wonderful presentation, written to convey to Haydn’s patron that it was time to send the musicians home for R&R with their families — great music combined with wry humor.
The Dvorak, on the other hand, was familiar to almost everyone in the audience, but this performance seemed particularly spirited and profound, with lilting melodies and stirring anthems. As the final notes drifted off, a man behind us leaped to his feet and shouted “Bravo! Bravo Brotons!” Bravo, indeed. We’re blessed to have such a fabulous resource in our city.
