Hall Auditorium, October 19th
The first half of the program featured Christopher James Lees conducting the University Philharmonia Orchestra. First, the ensemble played Carmen Suite No.1 by Bizet. Each movement featured a famous theme from this popular opera. It was well played and cute. Then, David T. Little’s piece, Haunted Topography, was performed.
THIS PIECE WAS AMAZING!
David T. Little attended University of Michigan as a Masters Student in Composition less than a decade ago. Now he is one of three composers to ever have been commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera, and is currently nominated for a Grammy. Many of his works are connected by a theme about the horrors of war and this piece, Haunted Topography, is no exception. Before the piece began, David T. Little explained his inspiration. One of his friends ran a group called Vet2Vet which helps veterans help other veterans. A story David T. Little heard was about a mother of a dead veteran who could not start the grieving process because she had no idea where her son died. David T. Little’s friend used his connections to help identify where her son had been killed and the mother was able to heal. This piece, Haunted Topography was Little’s musical response to that story.
It started off with a haunting piano solo vibraphone accompaniment. The vibraphone, occasionally doubling the piano, gave the impression of a person was playing a piano in a very old, completely empty house. Different instruments slowly entered, leading to an amazingly textured climax of the piece. At the end, after the pieces had slowly drifted, the timpani and vibraphone continued on. The vibraphone, once playing along, had turned into a death knell as the timpani imitated the sounds of war, and death’s resounding march. This incredible piece stole the show. The composition was incredible and the Philharmonia did an amazing job performing it.
The University Philharmonia Orchestra followed this contemporary piece with something completely different, Haydn’s Symphony no. 2. Emulating typical baroque and classical performance style, Christopher James Lees conducted from his seat, playing harpsichord in the middle of the orchestra. In order to see him, all of Philharmonia, besides the cellos, had to stand, which gave the piece a unique energy. It was quite enjoyable and a good way to lighten the mood before Intermission.
The University Symphony Orchestra played with professional precision, per usual. Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser was immaculately performed, although a little emotionally removed and stilted. Lutoslawaski’s Concerto for Orchestra was a 20th Century piece also inspired by the terrors of war. However, while Haunted Topography had reflected on the emotional journey of those affected by war, Lutoslawaski aimed to recreate war’s terror on the musical stage. There were an incredible amount of players on stage for both of these pieces since both call for a very large orchestra. I think of the side effects of the amount of players was a lack of extremes in dynamics. There was a lot of forte with very little juxtaposition which took away from the emotional content of each orchestra piece.
Overall, an amazing concert.
