Northwest Indiana Symphony is performing tonight out in Schererville. I’m enjoying this concert quite a lot.
Dvorak’s 8th Symphony is a classic of the repertoire. Like everyone else, I’ve been playing it since I was in youth orchestra, and its not a work I usually get excited about. But there’s something really pleasant, sometimes, about playing a piece that is uncomplicatedly, unironically lovely, and well written for the instruments, and full of catchy tunes. It surprised me how much I enjoyed the first rehearsal on it. And the second. In general I prefer a darker work, with edge and grit, to challenge my ear and my technique – but this is a nice piece and it’s nice to just play something nice.
My favorite part of the concert, though, is the concerto. Manuel De Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain is a terrific piece that I did not know before. It’s impressionistic, rich, lush, delicate, danceable, and just a real joy to play. Our soloist, Yana Resnik, is outstanding. She’s got a beautiful delicacy to her sound and touch, and yet plays strong, beautiful phrases and uses her rubato masterfully.
Come out and join us! Details HERE.