Beethoven Continued

An old friend reminded me that Leonard Bernstein conducted Beethoven's 9th Symphony at the Berlin Wall as it was coming down. I searched a bit and learned that he played it on both sides of the wall. How fitting.

I was awakened from a deep sleep on Saturday night by loud claps of thunder and saw the lightning flashing through the mini-blinds in my bedroom. On Sunday afternoon I heard the thunder and saw the lightning of the Minnesota Orchestra playing Beethoven's 9th Symphony. I don't know if I've even seen a conductor work as hard as did Osmo Vanska, the Finnish born Music Director of this world-class orchestra. And I saw some of the orchestra members obviously having an absolutely wonderful time. Even some of the Minnesotans in Orchestra Hall were enjoying the music.

I'm not a music critic, and I therefore don't know the jargon a professional would use in describing this experience. What I do know is that this was one of the most wonderful musical experiences I've ever had. As my joke suggested, the timpani were busy, and I love the distinct sound of that large drum being struck by that padded stick. The fourth movement almost wears everybody out, the conductor, the musicians, and the audience. I'll have to give the audience a little more credit, as they did have the conductor and principals return for 3 bows. And the bows were well earned. What a wonderful feeling: to be sitting in a large room of like-minded, probably intelligent people and enjoying the music of the ages. Wow!

For those of you who take note of such things, Maestro Vanska and his wife live in a loft overlooking the Mississippi River.