Miles Ahead Productions

My appologies for not posting this sooner. It was a busy week so I am just getting caught up.

My girlfriend and I attended the 3pm performance of  Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and the Shostakovich Violin Concerto #1.  If you read my last review of the HSO I was none too pleased on how we were treated. After being contacted by the Bushnell I was assured our experience would be different this time.

I noticed this time the staff and volunteers had a “go to” person to help seat the physically challenged. I was thrilled that the staff at the Bushnell really did a great job showing us to the RIGHT seats. Again the valet parking guys were awesome. One guy even offered to push me all the way to the theater! I have to say WELL DONE to the staff at the Bushnell. I appreciate that they did make a positive change and I look forward to more events there.

Ok so now the even better part:

The Music!

I have always been a big fan of  Russian composers since I was a kid. I remember my 1st grade teacher telling us the story of the Firebird and then listening to the Stravinsky  Ballet in class. I was hooked! That piece along with Petrushka and Sacre du Printemps fascinated me and as a kid I listened to them all repeatedly. Stravinsky led me to Mussorgsky and Prokofiev then from there to Shostakovich.

I had not heard the Shostakovich  Violin Concerto #1 in A minor before but had read about it. It was be performed by the Concert Master of the HSO Leonid Sigal.  The first movement, “Nocturne” was mesmerizing and sublime. We both were drawn in, not sure what next lay arround the corner but we knew we couldn’t wait for the next movement. BUT.. much to our chagrin, the performance stopped andthe doors were opened to allow a large number of late patrons to findseats. This was because of the Puerto Rican Day parade that was culminating at Bushnell Park. Parking was tough to find and the HSO had sent out a phone call to ticket holders to warn about the crazy parking situation. We went very early knowing this. Perhaps others should have too.

I understand the reason for the delay but honestly, the feeling of the piece, the mood was totally shattered!! This was evidenced by the fact that after the late comers were seated 30 seconds into the 2nd  movement (Scherzo) Maestra Huang stopped the orchestra and restarted the movement. Not sure why she stopped, but for me it just wasn’t happening, the concentration was broken. She did make a good joke about the stop… but still..

Could an announcement have been made at the hall and the start of the concert delayed to accommodate the parking situation? For me that would be much more preferable to starting on time and having the performance stopped like that.

Once the restart commenced, all was great and eventually we were drawn back under the spell of the music and the soloist. The third movement, Passaglia was as intriguing as the first movement. So how to follow that ? Why a cadenza of course and a brilliant one at that. More than just a display of  technique, this cadenza had such a feeling about it. Again we found ourselves so drawn in anxious to hear what comes next. The finale (Burlesque) brought the concerto to a wonderful close.  I loved the performance but felt bad for Leonid  Sigal that his performance was interupted like that. He deserved better.

Carmina Burana:

My girlfriend had conducted this piece with orchestra and her choir at Woolsey Hall in 2009.  I played in the orchestra but really was so worried about making my part that I didn’t have the chance to truly enjoy how great this piece is live. I did pick up a number of things from Orff’s orchestration however that came in handy when I did the orchestrations for the Rock n’ Roll Over Beethoven concert last year. So we both were anxious to hear this.

The performance of Carmina Burana was wonderful. There were a few glitches. Some of the guys in the choir jumped the gun on some of the odd starts and stops that occur. The baritone and soprano soloists did suffer some pitch errors but in their defense this was in the extremes of their registers and was very minor. Certainly the lay listener would not have been aware. The baritone soloist had a great voice and was very entertaining when he sang communicating the spirit of the lyrics.  I think he could have been a little less animated during the portions where he didn’t sing as sometimes it would be a little distracting. (Kind of conjures up an image of Mr. Bean. He wasn’t that bad but I did chuckle thinking about it) The soprano soloist looked nervous and you could see her doing some deep breathing to relax. Can’t blame her as she has to sit a long time before she gets to sing. When she did sing it was gorgeous.

One thing that puzzled us was at the start there were two chairs in front for the soprano and baritone. Where was the tenor? Our question was answered when he popped in at the right moment emerging in the midst of the orchestra. Then he sang..wow did he sing!! What a great voice!

The orchestra and the chorale sounded great and they were very well balanced for the most part. There were times when the soprano section would get a bit wiped out. I think this was more due to the configuration of the stage and where we sat. I think if we were level with the orchestra it would have been fine.

Some other general observations:

I want to note that this time I didn’t see a single musician before the concert or at intermission on stage texting or talking on thier cell phones. No violinists were observed sitting on stage chomping away on a snack either. It all looked so much more professional then our last visit.

A note about the conductor: My girlfriend often jokes about wanting to jump up and take the baton from a conductor if she thinks they are not doing the music justice. I am happy to report that she had no such inclination this time. She truly enjoys Carolyn Huang’s conducting .

I grew up in Pittsburgh and my parents took me to the Pittsburgh Symphony every Friday night. There I saw some incredible conductors. Steinberg, Previn and on a couple occasions I remember Rafael Kubelic.   I can’t compare them to each other as they all got the best from the orchestra. From what I see Maestra Huang gets the best from her musicians at the HSO. Also I wanted to mention yet again how good her brass section sounds.

Thank you HSO and I’m looking forward to next season!

Within hours of posting my review I received email from the Senior Manager, Front of House Operations at the Bushnell Center. She offered an appology which I certainly accepted. The next morning she followed up, letting me know that she had reviewed thier policy and procedures with her team to ensure that what I experienced would not happened again.  I am very impressed.  Kudo’s to the Bushnell Center and the Hartford Symphony for their response!

In May 2009, I had the opportunity to play the Carmina Burana at Woolsey Hall conducted by my future girlfriend  :)  Her choir and soloists were wonderful. It’s such a great piece and from an orchestrator/arranger’s viewpoint, I picked up a few things from Carl Orff’s score that came in handy when I was writing the orchestrations for the  ”Rock n Roll over Beethoven” project . We are really looking forward to the HSO’s performance of Carmina Burana in June. Even better for me is knowing that I shouldn’t have any more seating hassles!!

On Sunday May 11, 2012, my girlfriend and I attended a Hartford Symphony concert under the direction of Maestra Carolyn Kuan.  This is the first time I have heard the orchestra under their new conductor. The program was all Russian composers and consisted of the Rimsky-Korsakov arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, Shostakovich’s 9th Symphony and the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. More on the music later, but first commentary as to the experience with the staff at the Belding Theater in Bushnell Center.

As I am in a wheelchair I used the valet parking just around the corner on Trinity St. The guys there couldn’t have been nicer. They just allowed me to park right there saying I could just come and get the car after the concert without having to wait for them to bring the car. This alone saved a good half hour wait after the concert. They even offered to help my girlfriend and I in getting the wheelchair out of the car. Well done!

Once entering the theater I encountered what can only be considered straight up incompetence and indolence.  Upon entering and presenting tickets to the usher I asked where our seats where. I explained that I would transfer from my wheelchair to my seat. This usher simply pointed across the theater and told us to go see the next usher. Upon asking this usher to show us to our seats, we were brought down the aisle to Orchestra Row D only to be told it would be better for me to go from the other side. So back up the aisle we went only to be passed off to usher number three who simply pointed and said row D. She didn’t offer to accompany us to the row nor offer advice as to where we could put the wheelchair once I had transferred. We found the row and I moved myself across the 8 seats or so to settle in our seats which were dead center 4 rows back. Wonderful! Just to be sure my girlfriend presented our tickets to yet a fourth usher to be sure we were in the right place. (You see where this is going?) So we settled in to spend a romantic afternoon listening to great music and enjoying each other’s company.

Five minutes before a performance a rather grumpy man carrying coffee and his wife came through our row and then promptly told us we were in their seats. He was right. We were mortified and explained that the ushers had placed us here and that I was in a wheelchair and since the performance was about to start would he please take our seats which were two rows back dead center (the sixth row)? The grumpy coffee junky said he paid “a lot of money for the seats” (his seats and the seats two rows back were the same price btw) and he wanted them. His wife intervened and said no problem. I explained again that we were seated there in error and since it would take time to get the wheelchair back and clear two rows of people and since the tickets we had were the same cost and equally good it made sense just to swap seats.  They took their seats behinds us two rows. A minute later the house manager came over and told me the gentleman was insisting on having his seat and at intermission I would have to move. I agreed but told the house manager that 4 of her ushers had placed us here and that she would need to clear the 2 rows and bring my wheelchair so I could safely move.

At intermission the house manager came down and informed us that we could remain seated. I again reiterated to her that none of this would have happened if the ushers had actually done their job.  She looked annoyed. My girlfriend was wonderful and resisted the urge to give the insistent “gentleman” a piece of her mind. We could only conclude that the guy thought we were lying about me being in a wheelchair because we didn’t feel like moving. Pretty sad commentary on today’s society when a man at a symphony hall cannot be taken at his word.  I certainly do not fit the stereotypical guy in a wheelchair I guess.  I’m younger, happy, energetic and I’m there with my beautiful girlfriend. I hope he stuck around long enough after the concert to actually see what I have to do to get back into the chair etc.  As far as the ushers are concerned I could only conclude that they are poorly trained if at all. They exhibited no knowledge of the seating in the theater and even worse had no customer relation skills let alone common decency.  Now on to the music.

The Mussorgsky was the first piece. I honestly can’t comment as I was so upset and felt embarrassed and humiliated by what had just happened that I could not relax and enjoy it.  At the conclusion of the piece Ms. Kaun addressed the audience changing the program by concluding the first half with the Shostakovich symphony. She took a few minutes to remark about the joviality of the symphony and had the orchestra play some key themes and examples. She then embarked in a wonderful rendition of the piece. Ms. Kaun has brought a pleasant precision to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and it was well reflected by the musicians. My girlfriend and I noted that prior to the concert a number of the musicians were on stage shedding their parts.  After intermission we had the pleasure of hearing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto played by the HSO Artist in Residence Sirena Huang.  She was absolutely wonderful. The first movement was absolutely outstanding and the audience could not stop itself from giving her a standing ovation at the conclusion of the movement. Terrible breach of etiquette I know but she was brilliant. The next two movements were just as great and we were treated to an unaccompanied encore after 3 curtain calls. Maestra Kuan truly is a breath of fresh air to the HSO. She has corrected some of the sloppiness I had noticed by the orchestra under the previous conductor and especially reigned in the brass to where they actually sound balanced as opposed to trying to drown out the rest of the orchestra.

A few other comments. As to the grumpy man and his cup of coffee, do you seriously allow people with drinks in the hall? What’s next? Peanut vendors up and down the aisles? The Belding Theater is a lovely hall so how about trying to keep it that way. I also noticed prior to the performance a number of the musicians on stage texting away on their cell phones.  I find this absolutely unprofessional. Leave the damn phone backstage. Some orchestra members could also stand to be a little less chatty prior to the concertmaster’s entrance. After intermission, one violinist had his mouth stuffed full and was busy chewing like a horse as the concertmaster made his way onstage.  I also take some umbrage to the “dress down” Sunday attire of the orchestra. I expect an orchestra to dress accordingly with respect to the great music they are performing. I grew up seeing the great Pittsburgh Symphony under Steinberg and Previn and the decorum that existed with the PSO is a standard that should be maintained by all orchestras. I realize we have become a more informal society however some traditions are worth preserving.

Recent events have me thinking. Going through the divorce, financial ruin, moving, health problems, and loneliness I wonder why I don’t completely go over the edge. Why am I not a psychological mess curled up in a fetal position under my bathroom sink? Why do I get up each day thinking things will be better?

In times of crisis and turmoil many find religion and faith comforting. I have to admit I am not religious at all. I do believe in God but think He (or She) is a “hands-off” God. Oh maybe once in a while He might pop in to check up on you but for the most part I think God is off on much more important business than my life. We are pretty much on our own I think. Although my faith is not totally absent in my life it is not what holds me together. In a single word “Music”.

Being a musician has given me a much deeper understanding and appreciation of how truly miraculous and healing music can be. It is my constant companion. My love for Music is unconditional even when I am at my worst. It fills me with overwhelming joy during good times. It comforts me through the worst of times. It is sweet and sentimental allowing me to reminisce about events and people.

Music lifts me above the mundane drudgery of life. Sometimes music makes me cry so hard yet assures me I will be ok. Music harbors no grudges, no misunderstandings. It’s never jealous. Music doesn’t judge me for my imperfections. Music is never hurtful or dishonest. Music trusts me. Music will never die. Music holds me when no one else will. It will never abandon me.

Inspiration

in·spi·ra·tion

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

2: the act of drawing in ; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs

3 a: the quality or state of being inspired b: something that is inspired <a scheme that was pure inspiration>

4: an inspiring agent or influence

Inspiration is of such importance in composing, but by no means all that there is to it. Structure is just as consequential, for without craftsmanship, inspiration is a ‘mere reed shaken in the wind’ or ‘sounding brass or tinkling cymbals’. Great compositions are not the fruits of inspiration alone, but of severe, laborious and painstaking toil. No composition will live long unless it has both inspiration and craftsmanship, which Beethoven had to a superlative degree. There also must be in relation, with inspiration and craftsmanship, a natural aptitude, where ideas come to you with more or less no conscious effort, with a sense of comfort and relative ease, like a aspiration being fulfilled. But parallel to that, as seen in Beethoven’s sketchbooks, comes the proof that he toiled incessantly in order to leave us such masterpieces. Only with your religiosity, God’s inspiration, and the utilization of all three, can one achieve mastery of classical music composition and achieve true fame and immortality, which is what oblivion constantly tries to challenge. This is the proven universal formula for success in music and any and all other endeavors of human life.

-Johannes Brahms-

A Letter By Beethoven:

English Translation of the Text

For my brothers Carl and [Johann] Beethoven.

Oh you men who think or say that I am malevolent, stubborn, or misanthropic, how greatly do you wrong me. You do not know the secret cause which makes me seem that way to you. From childhood on, my heart and soul have been full of the tender feeling of goodwill, and I was even inclined to accomplish great things. But, think that for six years now I have been hopelessly afflicted, made worse by senseless physicians, from year to year deceived with hopes of improvement, finally compelled to face the prospect of a lasting malady (whose cure will take years or, perhaps, be impossible). Though born with a fiery, active temperament, even susceptible to the diversions of society, I was soon compelled to isolate myself, to live life alone. If at times I tried to forget all this, oh how harshly was I flung back by the doubly sad experience of my bad hearing. Yet it was impossible for me to say to people, “Speak louder, shout, for I am deaf.” Ah, how could I possibly admit an infirmity in the one sense which ought to be more perfect in me than others, a sense which I once possessed in the highest perfection, a perfection such as few in my profession enjoy or ever have enjoyed. – Oh I cannot do it; therefore forgive me when you see me draw back when I would have gladly mingled with you.

My misfortune is doubly painful to me because I am bound to be misunderstood; for me there can be no relaxation with my fellow men, no refined conversations, no mutual exchange of ideas. I must live almost alone, like one who has been banished; I can mix with society only as much as true necessity demands. If I approach near to people a hot terror seizes upon me, and I fear being exposed to the danger that my condition might be noticed. Thus it has been during the last six months which I have spent in the country. By ordering me to spare my hearing as much as possible, my intelligent doctor almost fell in with my own present frame of mind, though sometimes I ran counter to it by yielding to my desire for companionship. But what a humiliation for me when someone standing next to me heard a flute in the distance and I heard nothing, or someone standing next to me heard a shepherd singing and again I heard nothing. Such incidents drove me almost to despair; a little more of that and I would have ended me life – it was only my art that held me back. Ah, it seemed to me impossible to leave the world until I had brought forth all that I felt was within me. So I endured this wretched existence – truly wretched for so susceptible a body, which can be thrown by a sudden change from the best condition to the very worst. – Patience, they say, is what I must now choose for my guide, and I have done so – I hope my determination will remain firm to endure until it pleases the inexorable Parcae to break the thread. Perhaps I shall get better, perhaps not; I am ready.

- Forced to become a philosopher already in my twenty-eighth year, – oh it is not easy, and for the artist much more difficult than for anyone else. – Divine One, thou seest my inmost soul thou knowest that therein dwells the love of mankind and the desire to do good. – Oh fellow men, when at some point you read this, consider then that you have done me an injustice; someone who has had misfortune man console himself to find a similar case to his, who despite all the limitations of Nature nevertheless did everything within his powers to become accepted among worthy artists and men. – You, my brothers Carl and [Johann], as soon as I am dead, if Dr. Schmid is still alive, ask him in my name to describe my malady, and attach this written documentation to his account of my illness so that so far as it possible at least the world may become reconciled to me after my death. – At the same time, I declare you two to be the heirs to my small fortune (if so it can be called); divide it fairly; bear with and help each other. What injury you have done me you know was long ago forgiven. To you, brother Carl, I give special thanks for the attachment you have shown me of late. It is my wish that you may have a better and freer life than I have had. Recommend virtue to your children; it alone, not money, can make them happy. I speak from experience; this was what upheld me in time of misery. Thanks to it and to my art, I did not end my life by suicide – Farewell and love each other – I thank all my friends, particularly Prince Lichnowsky and Professor Schmid – I would like the instruments from Prince L. to be preserved by one of you, but not to be the cause of strife between you, and as soon as they can serve you a better purpose, then sell them. How happy I shall be if can still be helpful to you in my grave – so be it. – With joy I hasten towards death. – If it comes before I have had the chance to develop all my artistic capacities, it will still be coming too soon despite my harsh fate, and I should probably wish it later – yet even so I should be happy, for would it not free me from a state of endless suffering? – Come when thou wilt, I shall meet thee bravely. – Farewell and do not wholly forget me when I am dead; I deserve this from you, for during my lifetime I was thinking of you often and of ways to make you happy – be so -

Ludwig van Beethoven
Heiglnstadt,
October 6th, 1802

Beethoven went on to complete his 3^rd symphony on 1803 and was completely deaf when he wrote the 9^th Symphony. Even in the face of what to most people would be an overwhelming or impossible task he found profound inspiration to compose and is now immortal.

What inspires me -

Beethoven’s 3^rd and 5^th symphonies

Great jazz

The Count Basie Orchestra

Live music

Music that gives me no choice but to dance and shout in joy

A beautiful melody

Songs that make me cry

A beautiful sunrise and sunset

The ocean

Warm summer days

Spring

Strong smart women

The touch of a woman’s hand

The smell of her hair,

A woman’s eyes that shine all the way to the soul

A kiss

Great Wit

The healing power of laughter

My children

Dear Friends

Memories of my parents

Loving someone and being loved

Helping someone

Making others happy

Optimism

Faith in me, God, and the goodness of people

Life!!

What inspires you?

-Drake Smith-