After Hours: Thursday Edition
Okay, Thursday crowd, here's the place for you to let us know what you thought of tonight's Beethoven Pastoral show. This concert was a bit of a departure for us - fewer visual gags (mainly because of the radio thing,) a bit more of the in-depth music stuff - but we hope it was a fun night out for all of you that joined us.
We really do want every kind of feedback to help us plan future shows, so let fly in the comments, and tell us what you loved, what left you cold, what flew a mile over your head, and what hit you square in the solar plexus. And as always, thanks for buying the ticket - in times like these, that simple act means more to those of us on stage than you can possibly imagine.
We really do want every kind of feedback to help us plan future shows, so let fly in the comments, and tell us what you loved, what left you cold, what flew a mile over your head, and what hit you square in the solar plexus. And as always, thanks for buying the ticket - in times like these, that simple act means more to those of us on stage than you can possibly imagine.
Labels: after hours, audience feedback
posted by Sam at
8:30 PM
18 Comments:
I thought the performance was fabulous. The way you guys taught about the history of both the music and certain instruments was both entertaining and informative. As a high school student, it was easy to understand and enjoy. It was also interesting to see how someone new conducted. You seemed very into the conducting which many directors are not. They keep their movements very simple, and old style.
The music itself was fantastic. The orchestra sounded like one large instrument and they were so together it was mind blowing. That's all there really is to say. It was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic!
I LOVED IT!!! When I read that Sarah Hicks had been appointed Principal Conductor Pops & Presentations I was afraid she would no longer be part of Inside the Classics. This is the best series ever. Great variety, ideal format - especially for those of us with short attention spans. Just enough history, back-story, music teasers, then the whole thing in the second half. Watching Ms. Hicks conduct is watching ballet. As soon as you started tonight, my 17 year-old companion said "Fantasia" and beamed throughout the performance. I hope you get as much pleasure out of this as you give to me. Thank you-thank you-thank you!!!
The symphony was very nicely played. But I found that for a Beethovent symphony, this was presented too much as "classical music for dummies". While that's the prescribed format of these Inside the Classics, I felt it bordered on being condescencing in its explanations and discussion. Also, far too much of the music was presented in the first half. For those who have never heard this symphony before, and even for those who listen to it often, too much of the experience to come after the intermission was given away beforehand. I was asking myself whether there was any reason to stay after the intermission. Sorry, but I would have preferred more music and less discussion.
To be fair, Anonymous, the only movement of the symphony from which we played more than a minute or so of music on the first half was the first movement. We do actively try to avoid front-loading the evening with the same stuff that will be in the performance.
But that said, you're absolutely right that there's a very fine line between informing and condescending. Striking the balance between assuming a baseline level of musical knowledge in our audience and not wanting the things we talk about to fly over half of the heads in the crowd is one of the hardest parts of writing these shows. I'm sorry that we didn't hit on a better spot on that continuum for you...
Inside the Classics isn't for everyone. It is PERFECT for those of us who don't know much of the history, setting, evolution. If Anon is looking for pure orchestra concert, this is probably not the best setting for you. There are many, many offerings. Sam, don't change a thing!
As an "Inside the Classics" veteran and also as someone who has listened to Beethoven's 6th MANY, MANY times, I am afraid I have to agree with Anonymous on many regards, that at least for last night's concert, too much of the featured piece was revealed in the first half, the music knowledge discussed was rather superficial, and where did Sarah's Music Theory section go? I did enjoy the discussion on the history of the trombone, though. However, unlike Anonymous, I enjoy the discussion as much as the music, no, in fact I enjoy the discussion MORE than the music, because this is what makes ItC DIFFERENT from any concert experience. If I want to learn music history or theory, I could read books or attend classes at the UMN School of Music, but those do not have the benefit of having a conductor and orchestra explaining and playing sample passages at real time. ItC is the combination of lecture and performance.
I love Beethoven's 6th a lot, the piece is delightful, but I have to say last night's interpretation was only passable, given that Minnesota Orchestra's Beethoven symphony records have received critical acclaim! I was expecting a more precise, exquisite treatment of this concert staple. But of course, I realize that we did not have Osmo on stage last night, that the process of recording a CD (plus the infinite possibility of post-production) is very different from a live performance, and that the Orchestra's rehearsal schedule is extremely packed. I am still a big fan of yours, Sarah!
Again, Sarah and Sam, please keep up the good work. I am and will continue to be a big fan of this fantastic concert series and your blog. I have one last suggestion in the long run: Is it possible for us, the audience, to pick some of the pieces featured next season? There are pieces which I'm DYING to have you guys discussed and played. The first on my mind is Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring."
This was my first "Inside the Classics" show and will certainly be my last. While I'm sure some people enjoyed it, I was very disappointed. I came looking for a great performance by the MN orchestra and instead found a discussion and lackluster performance by a generic conductor. The poor quality of this performance was very surprising considering the great job by Vanska and the orchestra back in July with Beethoven's 5th.
Moving forward, why don't you offer the discussion one night, while retaining the traditional format for the other night(s). That way those of us who don't necessarily appreciate the condescending information and music snippets can still enjoy a full performance.
Wow, were we in the same room?
This was also my first "Inside the Classics" and I was very pleased. There was ample information about the intended format, which I found thoroughly enjoyable. Wanted a formal concert? Why did you come?
No doubt the balance is hard to strike, as Sam pointed out. But there are many of us potential concert goers who want to get more comfortable with great works, and the comments and discussion meet our needs. Myself and my three sisters were tickled; our brother the music producer and composer might have found it trite. Too bad, there are a lot more of us than him.
Our over riding emotion was of fun. I loved the non-stuffy environment: come in your soft shell jacket and jeans if you like. I will definitely come back for more.
Correcting my own typo: There are pieces which I'm DYING to have you guys discuss and play. The first on my mind is Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring."
So far the comments are balanced, pro and con. Add me to the con. When I got tix, I didn't realize I was signing on for a pedagogical experience! I admit, I saw Beethoven and Pastoral, and since I try to attend any performances of Beethoven's music available to me, I jumped on it. I would NOT have gotten the tickets, had I realized, so that's my fault--it's not a good fit. That said I still feel moved to say I found the experience condescending, patronizing, and silly. Not just to the audience, but to the composer, and yourselves, actually. I was hoping part 2 would make up for part 1, but alas, I found the performance just passable, yet sluggish, and uninspired, as though the weight of all that educating had worn everyone out. I too, felt exhausted by the end.
I've been attending Mn Orchestra concerts for more than 35 years-but I don't mind hearing about the pieces. There were 1 or 2 comments that seemed a touch condescending but mainly it was fun and appropriate.I'm very surprised by all the negative comments here.For an audience that typically gives standings ovations just because the performer showed up it's very unMinnesotan.
I love watching Sarah Hicks conduct-she's so graceful.I did miss the video though.This is only the second Inside the classics concert I've attended and I bought tickets for the series partly because I thought the video and the discussion brought new energy to the concert. It's also really nice to go into the concert hall and have the average age be less than 75-more like the opera which also feels lively and fun.So please, bring back those talented videographers.And by the way when I bought my tickets the guy behind the desk asked me if I was, "sure I really wanted to buy "Inside the Classics" instead of my regular series.
I have both a regular series and ItC subscription - perhaps I know what to expect from each but I truly enjoy them both. I am not a terribly sophisticated listener and appreciate what ItC brings to my other concert experiences.
Re; Lydia's comment: For some reason I remember an ItC "Rite of Spring" - was it in the "trial balloon" concert for this series or have it just lost it?
Anyway, I enjoyed last night and will listen tonight on MPR. Thanks to all involved.
Okay- my wife and I aren't generally big symphony, opera, or performing arts go-ers. And now I'm reminded why- it's because of the snooty, self-important, and overall condescending demeanor of some of you "patrons" that apparently can't appreciate the evening without trying to show off your amateur music critic skills. You folks really should lighten up… who are you trying to impress?
While I may not know as much about the music as some of you, I think that learning about the history and the philosophy behind the pieces helps the listener appreciate and understand it better. And guess what? This is exactly what I expected based on the pre-concert marketing materials! I felt myself imagining alpine meadows and streams while listening- I expect this is what the composer had in mind for me, right??? My wife and may fit in more with “Moondance Jam” than Beethoven at Orchestra hall- but we still loved the music and we thought the orchestra sounded outstanding!
I also appreciated Ms. Hick's and Mr. Bergman's back & forth banter (even if it was rehearsed), the comments from other musicians (more of that, please…), and the flowing grace of Sarah’s conducting style. And I agree with others that liked the casual, laid-back atmosphere- we were surrounded by a group of college /music students that certainly added to the evening’s entertainment!
We’re looking forward to the next Inside the Classics concert – hope we don’t end up sitting next to Jon De Long or you other tight a**es!
This was my first Inside the Classics and I was so impressed.
With the exception of a Bruce Springsteen concert (!), I don't know of much more that feeds the soul than live Beethoven. I go whenever I can, and have heard the 6th a couple times. I thought that was what I was getting into on Thursday and was so pleasantly surprised to experience Sam and Sarah's show. Your first-half presentation kept me interested, smiling, and really engaged - it flew by! I always enjoy going deeper into the music, finding out some context, hearing similar/dissimilar pieces, and this was just great for that. Although I've heard the repetitive bits in the 2nd movement lots before, never really considered it until Sarah played it on the piano. Also really enjoyed Sam's chat with the trombone section leader.
This is a terrific deal you have going. I'll be buying a tic to the Debussy in January. Thanks so much.
How about doing Dvorak's New World Symphony?
David Hilden
you guys are awesome! i'm an orchestral violist (in mn orch) and hope that your series continues to be so successful! thanks for thinking of it, great concept.
Anonymous wrote:
I did miss the video though.This is only the second Inside the classics concert I've attended and I bought tickets for the series partly because I thought the video and the discussion brought new energy to the concert.
This is a sentiment we've heard a lot, and rest assured, we liked the video aspect, too, and it will return to this series just as often as we can make it happen. (In fact, we're planning extensive use of video for our January concerts.)
The reason you still don't get video at every set of ItC concerts is simply one of cost. We don't own any of the high-end equipment that quality video production requires, so that has to be rented. In addition, we have to hire camera operators, a director, a producer, and myriad other individuals to make the thing look professional. You'd probably be astonished at the price tag for even one night of that.
Still, Sarah and I believe strongly that video makes our shows better, and we hope to use it as often as we possibly can. Stay tuned...
This is the third season of Inside the classic concerts that my wife and I have been to. We continue to add these to our subscription because of the casual, yet interesting and informative format. The "Schtick" (yes I am the guy who asked that question at the Q & A) that Sam and Sarah use is quite effective and charming. I must say that I am completely baffled by some of the comments that use the word condescending. It is certainly very evident in the concert descriptions what this series is about, and what it is trying to accomplish. I also must say that the people who are faulting Sarah for not being Vanska are in my opinion completely missing the point. It is very enjoyable to watch Sarah conduct, as she brings a flair and exuberence that not all conductors can. I say please continue doing what you are doing Sam and Sarah. Those of use who come to Inside the classics knowing what to expect, will continue to enjoy these concerts.
We enjoy Inside the Classics. We did not enjoy the long Shubert song. We would more enjoy hearing contemporaries of Beethoven doing similar themes. Thank you for teaching us of what we will hear.
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