This Sunday was particularly special. I went to church and loved it, but then I came home and we had dinner an hour early because we were going to the London Symphony Orchestra concert tonight as a program.
It.was.incredible.
First of all, seeing this incredible group and understanding the instruments and how the orchestra and choir worked together made me immensely grateful for all the music I've been able to participate in throughout my life. I was blessed enough to be able to participate in both choir and band in high school, and a little bit into college and I can see how much they've shaped me as a person. Second of all, I miss being in a choir or band so much! Aside from ward choir, I haven't been in an ensemble for two years and I think I need to fix that as soon as possible.
The symphony started with Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major and I found myself crying a little bit both because it was beautiful and because it brought back some of my happiest memories. I've decided that Beethoven loved the bassoon because he wrote some beautiful music for them. He let them sing.
The solo violinist, Christian Tetzlaff, was absolutely incredible. He played with his entire soul and it gave me goosebumps. I was so caught up in the music that I can't tell you what anyone else around me was doing during the performance.
At the end of that number the audience erupted into applause. It was loud, it was long, and I clapped until my shoulders ached from my enthusiasm.
After the intermission the choir joined a larger orchestra for Brahms' German Requiem. I wasn't familiar with this piece, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Requiems can be heavy and quite intense, and I wasn't sure I was up for that tonight. I needn't have worried. I loved every second.
Again, I found myself tearing up, and the Spirit was so strong. Also, German is a beautiful language when it's sung. Actually, it may be a beautiful language, period, but I haven't heard much spoken. I think I may have actually found my favorite requiem tonight. Give it a listen.
Finally, the London Symphony Orchestra is definitely one of the best orchestras in the world and I got to see them in person tonight. That is such an incredible experience that I definitely want to remember for the rest of my life. They're seriously my favorite group and most of the music on my phone is performed by them (just to put it in perspective). I feel so blessed to be here and to be able to experience all I'm able to experience. God is incredibly good.
Outside the Barbican Hall.
We had some incredible seats. I could see the bassoons quite well, in case you were wondering.
What is life?! If I could spend the rest of my time here in concert halls I think I would. For now, I'm content to remember tonight.
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