Could you follow this man? With his wonderfully angular, compact and yet highly expressive movements? I couldn't.
Last night I went to the Opera House to see Mahler 6, Hammerblow of Fate using the gift voucher my parents generously gave me for Christmas. When I booked the tickets the concert hall was virtually full. With a decision between sitting in 'the gods' or in the front row, we chose being up close and personal with the orchestra.
Being so close to the stage meant we couldn't see the entire orchestra (including the Horn section), but it was good to see hairs breaking on the cellists bows as they furiously crescendoed. And to see the rather eccentric conductor up close. His movements were wonderful, but I don't think I could have followed him. He wasn't conducting every beat!
In the first half we saw Liszt's Piano Concerto No 2. A nice piece to start the evening with. Sitting, practically, underneath the piano we could hear the pianist tapping his feet. Something I was told you should never do.
After soaking up some fabulous harbour views during the interval we listened to Mahler 6, dramatically called the Hammerblow of Fate during the second half. I like Mahler because he is nice and loud, so you know that you aren't going to be bored!
A good fun evening. Could only have been better by more of a staring role for the orchestra's finest instrument; the French Horn.
Gosh I love live music! We went to see the Australian Chamber Orchestra at the Opera House a few months ago and it was just magical. I was so sucked into the music I felt like I was the only one in that concert hall!
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