Don’t know quite what set it off, but this afternoon I’m really missing playing in orchestra! So, I’ve been watching videos of some of my favorite orchestral moments — Overtures to William Tell and Semiramide; parts of Tchaikovsky 5th and 6th symphonies; Brahms 1st; Daphnis and Chloe; Debussy’s La Mer; you get the idea.
It’s fun remembering what it’s like…wearing black; watching the conductor; waiting for a big solo; feeling the connection with your fellow musicians.
But what I miss most of all is the thrill of being in the middle of the amazing sound and energy generated by sixty or more dedicated musicians, all focused in the present moment on achieving the shared goal of expressing the composer’s intention to the best of their ability. I truly don’t think there’s anything else like it.
Sure there are other team experiences in sports and such, but somehow the added element of music takes it to another level. Well, that’s how it seems to me at any rate, though I certainly can’t prove it!
I only played in a youth symphony and college orchestra but I loved it too
I totally hear you, Lisa! I experienced again and again how the beauty and power of orchestra came through at every level, from school to dedicated amateurs to top professionals!