What a way to end the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s Favourites Night – Ravel’s Boléro. For those of a certain age Boléro is synonymous with ice-skating and/or Bo Derek. Torville and Dean and 10 (1979) aside, Boléro is incredibly beautiful—a simple rhythm that’s all about repetition and crescendo. (David Montgomery is great on the snare drum, and who doesn’t love the huge cymbal crash at the end? Frazer Matthew, I was watching you). But, Boléro was not the hit of the night…
Oh George Gershwin, you died way too young. His American in Paris was the standout piece of the night. American in Paris is perhaps one of the best-known soundscape orchestral pieces. Under the exuberant direction of Dane Lam, the orchestra threw themselves into it, especially laudable is the bluesy jazz section. My personal favourite part however, is the klaxon horn “taxicab” section – few orchestral pieces capture the sounds of the city better (I’m ignoring the pitch controversy). But to be honest, it makes me think more of New York than Paris—but that’s a whole ‘nother story.
The Favourites Night opened with Mozart’s Overture from The Marriage of Figaro – well, Mozart; followed by another biggie, Beethoven’s Symphony No.7; then Tchaikovsky’s most popular Symphony No.5; speaking of popular, Dvo?ák Symphony No.9 in E minor aka New World Symphony preceded Boléro (anyone else hear Jaws?); for encore, Brahms’ Hungarian Dances No 6 – Pigs in a Polka anyone? (Who wasn’t introduced to classical music through cartoons?).
Favourites kicks off the 2021 season. If you’re not sure that QSO is your sorta thing then view Bolero flash mob clip on YouTube – it’s a reminder that beautiful music is everyone’s thing. And while you’re there, catch up with their “Orchestra Over the Fence” series – short videos from last year when over-the-fence was as close as many people got.
The Lyric Theatre was packed on Saturday night – but not everyone wants to fight the city crowds so why not try a Maestro one morning or maybe Sundays are more to your liking? Redcliffe, Redlands and Gold Coast will be visited too. Every month QSO offers something different, something for you.
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