SooMin Kang (3032680055)
Christina Azahar (Section 111)
November 9, 2017
Performance Report
On Saturday, September 30th from 8 PM to 10 PM, the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra (UCBSO) held their first concert in Hertz Hall, at the UC Berkeley campus. The UCBSO consists of various string, brass and woodwind, and percussion instruments and is led by the music director David Milnes. The UCBSO consists of approximately 140 students of diverse origins and musical backgrounds, including those with a music degree to my very own acquaintances. All the musicians are either sitting in an assigned seat or standing in a specified position on stage while the audience fills the seats facing the stage. The inside of Hertz Hall is solely devoted to the performance and the overall “feel” may be classified as luxurious. Both the performers and audience agree to have a degree of etiquette, demonstrated by how they are dressed—formal attire—and they behave—quiet. The program consists of the three pieces “Sinfonia da Requiem (1940)” by Britten (1913-1976), “Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D 759 ‘Unfinished’ (1822)” by Schubert (1797-1828), and “Symphony No. 5 in E Flat Major, Op. 82 (1914-1919)” by Sibelius (1865-1957).
The musical sound of the orchestra is full due to the variety of instruments with different tones and timbre that make up a collective sound. However, with the same group of instruments, each piece performed has unique characteristics. Britten’s “Sinfonia da Requiem” has three movements “Lacrymosa,” “Dies irae,” and “Requiem aeternam.” The first movement is slow with a 6/8 rhythm and a tonal center on D and has the progression of a syncopated theme between the cellos and solo bassoon, a broad theme, then alternating chords on the flute and trombone. Without a pause, the second movement, also known as “a form of Dance of Death”, is continued and lead by the flute, saxophone, and brass instruments. The movement has powerful climaxes contrasting with the steady, slow tune on the saxophone. The third movement features the solo strings and harp, with the principal motive of the movement. The piece ends with a long sustained note on the clarinet. As such, the composer has his own musical analysis for the piece and the performers, with their individual musicality, have the role to create this ideal sound.
In addition to the composer’s intention and the quality of performers in a performance, the history of the music is significant. In order to record classical music and a composer’s unique style, the stories behind a piece are crucial. The second piece in the program by Schubert, for example, is yet to be investigated regarding its completion. While Schubert’s friend Hüttenbrenner received two completed movements of the B-minor Symphony, this manuscript was passed on to Hüttenbrenner’s brother Anselm and later obtained. As this background is provided in the brochure, the audience is more knowledgeable and not only enjoy the musical sound but also the story behind the piece.
The intended purpose of the UCBSO is to present the outstanding musicality of Berkeley students. This performance is an end product of their rigorous rehearsals, three hours twice a week and an additional hour-long sectional; thus, the performance indicates the substantial progress of their practice. The performers with different levels of musical skill commit to this act and make music together. Also, the UCBSO try to appeal to students and a wider audience, beyond the scope of those who already enjoy listening to classical music, to share the beauty of classical music. While the price of the concert is quite inexpensive, UC Berkeley students pay even less, a minimal of 5 USD for such high-quality music. Most importantly, the UCBSO is a university ensemble that already has a reputation and performed since 1923 when it was first established. Even joining the orchestra is competitive as it requires an audition process. Consequently, the orchestra is ubiquitously filled with talented, passionate musicians whether music is their profession or hobby.
While the concert is rather formal, there are still interactions between the audience and performers. As the conductor leads the whole orchestra in terms of what dynamics, tempo, styles, the performers collectively convey a message, which is then individually interpreted by the audience. Through eye contact and body movement, harmony between the instruments is created and hence from the perspective of an audience who is silent during a performance, the music is appealing and may be subjectively understood by each person. Only until the end may the audience applaud to show their respect for politeness and in some cases for liking the performance; thus, they communicate.
Having played the violin for 12 years and actively been part of orchestras for the past 7 years, I could recall my memories of practicing and performing. I could relate to the performers, especially the concertmaster and section leaders who need to follow the conductor and lead their own section as I myself was a concertmaster in my high school orchestra. Also, as an experienced player, I knew how much passion and effort was required to create this output, a well-presented performance. My favorite part of this performance was the Sibelius’ three movements “Tempo molto moderato-Largamente-Allegro moderato”, “Andante mosso, quasi allegretto”, and “Allegro molto.” The progression from the suspense in the first movement and quiet atmosphere to a light and bright, almost ethereal atmosphere in the second movement, and finally to a more energetic sound was appealing. Moreover, I enjoyed listening to the piano section with “little volume” and “scurrying activity” (mentioned in Don Anderson’s description) to see that the performers were highly skilled in intricate techniques. Like this, the audience not only listens to music for auditory pleasance but also to relate to the music.
Appendix
University of California Berkeley Symphony Orchestra (UC Berkeley Symphony)
Works Cited
UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. Berkeley: Department of Music, U of California, Berkeley,
2017. Print.
UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, Hertz Hall, UC Berkeley. Personal photograph by author. 2017.