Missa Solemnis
The weekend's been cold; never quite down to freezing but consistently just above it with an icy strong wind that chills to the marrow. After a Saturday spent mainly in the open air I really didn't fancy going out to listen to music but since I had the ticket I was too mean to stay at home and slob out.
And I'm pleased that I did so.
The concert [note- not a gig] was run by the Bristol Choral Society at the Colston Hall, a good half-hour walk from home. The Choral Society was supported by four excellent soloists, the City of Birmingham Choir and the B'ham Symphony Orchestra. The hall was almost full, deservedly so. I quickly lost myself in the music and even fell asleep a couple of times. The combination of powerful chorale and a full orchestra was unbeatable for sending me into an absolute reverie, with the complexities having an almost hypnotic effect.
Somehow the experience stimulates very different parts from our usual choice of music, and I don't have the knowledge or the vocabulary to explain exactly how. Generally, classical music seems to make me think hard and act dreamily; whereas our more usual concert-going is foot-tapping dancin' tunes, prompting a feeling of togetherness with the band and the audience which contrasts with the individuality and isolation I get from classical. I don't mean isolation in a bad sense; just that it seems to be something that affects me in a very intellectual way. perhaps isolation is correct as well, however, as this was the first time for many months or years where I have attended a concert on my own. I noticed that there were many other single people there as well. At pop or indie concerts, nearly everyone except Dancing Jeff goes with friends, as the atmosphere is usually much more communal.
:o)
And I'm pleased that I did so.
The concert [note- not a gig] was run by the Bristol Choral Society at the Colston Hall, a good half-hour walk from home. The Choral Society was supported by four excellent soloists, the City of Birmingham Choir and the B'ham Symphony Orchestra. The hall was almost full, deservedly so. I quickly lost myself in the music and even fell asleep a couple of times. The combination of powerful chorale and a full orchestra was unbeatable for sending me into an absolute reverie, with the complexities having an almost hypnotic effect.
Somehow the experience stimulates very different parts from our usual choice of music, and I don't have the knowledge or the vocabulary to explain exactly how. Generally, classical music seems to make me think hard and act dreamily; whereas our more usual concert-going is foot-tapping dancin' tunes, prompting a feeling of togetherness with the band and the audience which contrasts with the individuality and isolation I get from classical. I don't mean isolation in a bad sense; just that it seems to be something that affects me in a very intellectual way. perhaps isolation is correct as well, however, as this was the first time for many months or years where I have attended a concert on my own. I noticed that there were many other single people there as well. At pop or indie concerts, nearly everyone except Dancing Jeff goes with friends, as the atmosphere is usually much more communal.
:o)
Labels: Music
posted by Moses at
9:57 pm
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