General Description of the Performance
The performance was given by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra was performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The performance took place on May 7, 2015 (“Muti Conducts Beethoven 9”). The performance was given in Chicago at Orchestra Hall. The concert was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra ensemble with the participation of soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and bass-baritone singers, and the Chicago Symphony Chorus, directed by Duain Wolfe. Riccardo Mutti conducted the concert.
Compositions: Composers, Eras, and Genres
The concert was devoted solely to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, a symphony with several parts. It was composed between 1822 and 1824 by the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (Service). The symphony belongs to the Classical Romantic period, a transitional genre between two related styles (Service).
This period is known as the Romantic Era, which developed between 1800 and 1820 (Service). Composers of the time began to shift their melodic techniques and compositions from classical to a new Romantic style. It included the shift from the Classical period’s linear compositions to more lyrical Romanticism structures. The symphony consists of four movements, the last of which is the most popular among the audience.
The Concert Environment
An orchestra performing a classical music concert is expected to wear black dresses and tailcoats. The performers should stand to greet the conductor at the beginning of the concert; the conductor should greet the audience. This type of performance requires exceptional etiquette, which is expected from the audience.
First, the audience should clap only at the end of each musical piece or movement (Bedont). Modern classical concerts do not have specific requirements regarding the clothes the audience should wear. However, the clothes should not be provocative or insulting to show respect for other guests (Bedont). All gadgets should be silenced; the audience should avoid making any distracting noises, such as eating, drinking, talking, and others (Bedont).
The etiquette observed during the concert adhered to the established rules for such types of performances. The performers were dressed appropriately, with women wearing black dresses and men wearing tailcoats. The performers greeted the conductor by standing at the beginning of the concert; the concert concluded, and the orchestra also stood.
The audience observed the etiquette rules by clapping at the end of each movement. The audience made no distracting noises. The audience gave a standing ovation to the orchestra at the concert’s end.
Personal Choice of a Composition
My favorite composition of the concert was the Ode to Joy, which is the concert’s finale. The movement is the climax of the symphony, which contains extremely emotional parts. The movement is the only part of the concert that involves soloists singing, giving it a special intensity.
The least favorite part of the concert is the third movement, which is adagio molto e cantabile – andante moderato. The part appeared monotonous and did not evoke vivid emotions as it was lyrical and slow. However, it was followed by the Ode of Joy, which gave a nice contrast, emphasizing the musical richness of the last movement.
The Overall Impression of the Performance
The overall performance created a unique impression due to the intensity of emotions that it offered to the audience. The concert footage focuses on the performers and the conductor, giving it a special depth. The viewer can see how immersed the performers are in the composition and how well-orchestrated they are.
The music is beautiful and performed with great passion and devotion, which gives it a necessary intensity. The symphony’s composition offers the audience the expression of a wide range of feelings that keep them engaged throughout the concert. The performance is an excellent example of a modern classical concert that can spark the interest of diverse audiences.
Works Cited
Bedont, Robert. “Concert Etiquette 101.” Utah Symphony. 2021. Web.
Service, Tom. “Symphony Guide: Beethoven’s Ninth (‘Choral’).” The Guardian. 2014. Web.
“Muti Conducts Beethoven 9.” Chicago Symphony Orchestra TV, 2015. Web.