But the ‘piece de resistance’ of the evening was this symphony written by the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.
The composition that was conceived and executed in just five weeks between June 15 and July 23, 1875 was first performed almost 150 years ago in Prague.
Symphony No. 5 in F major,Op. 76
Considered Dvořák’s most dependable genial orchestral achievements, the classical ‘mien’ of this piece is firmly planted in the conservative mainstream, unlike his two earlier symphonies no. 8 and 9 that gained more popularity and recognition for him. It includes a fair measure of folk-flavoured nationalism with a faint but distinct suggestion of folk dance ‘dumka’. Dvořák had already become an international celebrity with his later symphonies, and that explains the delayed recognition of Symphony no. 5. And yet, it is indeed an elegantly crafted composition, in particular evidencing his pride of being a Czech, standing for the typical sounds and movements of his country of birth.
The orchestra itself, was elaborate. The instrumentation included two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets one of them a doubling bass, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani, triangle and strings.
The performance itself was mesmerising, deftly conducted by Ruth whose energy and fluidity were a sight to behold. Many term it as ‘summer music’. It bears a certain kinship to Beethoven’s Pastoral symphony- its rustling woods, the song of birds, the fragrance of fields, and the strong breath of nature. And its finale includes an equivalent to the Pastoral’s storm scene, while suggesting flashes of sunnier side of Schubert.
As the final notes of symphony faded away, there was a sense of collective appreciation and wonder that lingered in the air, a testament to the power and artistry of the New York Philharmonic and the symphony as a whole. It was a treat to be savoured for a long time, a stimulus to the senses and a beautiful journey to a realm whose beauty and profoundness have often exceeded human understanding and cognition.
The music itself was a feast for the senses, with each instrument weaving together in intricate harmonies and counterpoint. The emotional range of a symphony was breathtaking, from the soaring highs of a triumphant crescendo to the haunting lows of a languid adagio.
Throughout the performance, the audience was swept up in the drama and beauty of the music, transported to a world of sounds and emotions that was at once familiar and otherworldly.
Indeed, an evening of tranquil joy and elation.
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Explanatory Notes
It may be useful to describe some of the common terms used in Western Orchestra.
Types of Western Music
A symphony is a large-scale instrumental work for orchestra, typically consisting of four movements. Symphonies often include a wide range of instruments, from strings, woodwinds, and brass to percussion. The term “symphony” can also refer to the orchestra that plays the music.
Opera is a type of musical theater in which a dramatic story is told through music, singing, and stagecraft. Operas often feature elaborate sets, costumes, and lighting, and the singing is typically accompanied by an orchestra. Opera is unique in that it combines vocal music, instrumental music, and drama.
Chamber music is a type of classical music that is typically played by a small group of musicians, with one player per part. The most common types of chamber music include string quartets, piano trios, and sonatas for solo instruments with piano accompaniment. Unlike symphonies and operas, chamber music is typically performed in smaller, more intimate venues.
Musical Instruments
A symphony orchestra typically consists of four main families of instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
Flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, horn, and piccolo are commonly used in orchestras and other ensembles.
The flute is a woodwind instrument that is played by blowing across a mouthpiece and pressing down on keys to change the pitch.
The clarinet is also a woodwind instrument that is played by blowing into a mouthpiece and using keys to change the pitch. It has a characteristic single reed that vibrates against the mouthpiece.
The oboe is a woodwind instrument that has a double reed and is played by blowing air into the mouthpiece and using keys to change the pitch.
The bassoon is a large woodwind instrument that has a double reed and is played in a similar manner to the oboe. It has a lower pitch range than the oboe.
The horn (also known as the French horn) is a brass instrument that is played by blowing into a mouthpiece and using valves to change the pitch. It has a characteristic mellow tone and is often used to play harmonies and melodic lines.
The piccolo is a small flute-like instrument that plays an octave higher than the standard flute. It is commonly used to play rapid runs and virtuosic solos in orchestral music.
In addition to these instruments, a symphony orchestra may also include other instruments such as harp, piano, organ, and various auxiliary percussion instruments, depending on the specific repertoire being performed.
Western Classical Singing
Western classical music has a rich history of various forms of singing, and some of the most prevalent forms include:
Opera singing: Opera singing is a dramatic art form that combines music, theatre, and visual arts. It involves singing in a highly stylised and formalised manner to convey emotion and tell a story. Opera singers are highly trained and often use a range of vocal techniques, such as vibrato, coloratura, and belting, to create a range of sounds and emotions.
Choral singing: Choral singing involves a group of singers who perform together in harmony. It can involve a range of vocal styles, from Gregorian chant to contemporary works. Choral singing is often used in religious and secular contexts, and can involve a wide range of voice types, including soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
Art song: Art song is a type of vocal music that combines poetry and music. It typically involves a single singer accompanied by a pianist, and often focuses on expressing complex emotions and ideas through the combination of words and music. Art songs are typically performed in recitals, and the genre includes works by composers such as Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Gustav Mahler.
Oratorio: Oratorio is a large-scale vocal work that tells a story or conveys a message through music. It typically involves a choir, solo singers, and an orchestra, and is often based on religious or historical themes. Oratorios are typically performed in concert halls or churches, and can last several hours.
Lieder: Lieder is a type of German art song that is typically performed by a single singer accompanied by a pianist. It is known for its expressive and intimate qualities, and often focuses on romantic or pastoral themes. Lieder is typically performed in recitals, and the genre includes works by composers such as Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Hugo Wolf.
These are just a few examples of the many forms of singing prevalent in Western classical music.
Voice Types in Western Music
In Western classical music, there are several different voice types or classifications, which are based on the range, timbre, and vocal agility of the singer. Some of the most common voice types include:
Soprano: The soprano voice type is typically the highest female voice type and ranges from approximately middle C (C4) to high C (C6). Sopranos are often characterized by their clear and bright tone, and they frequently sing lead roles in operas and choral music.
Mezzo-soprano: The mezzo-soprano voice type is a middle-range female voice and typically ranges from A3 to A5. Mezzo-sopranos have a darker and richer timbre than sopranos and can often perform both soprano and alto roles in choral music.
Contralto: The contralto voice type is the lowest female voice type and ranges from F3 to F5. Contraltos are known for their warm and rich tones and are often used in choral music.
Tenor: The tenor voice type is the highest male voice type and typically ranges from C3 to high C (C5). Tenors are known for their clear and ringing tone and often perform lead roles in operas and choral music.
Baritone: The baritone voice type is a middle-range male voice and typically ranges from A2 to A4. Baritones have a darker timbre than tenors and are often used in supporting roles in operas and choral music.
Bass: The bass voice type is the lowest male voice type and typically ranges from E2 to E4. Basses have a deep and resonant tone and are often used in choral music and operatic roles that require a powerful and authoritative presence.
These voice types are used to describe the range and timbre of a singer’s voice, and they play an important role in the creation of vocal music in Western classical music.
Voice Modulation
Then there are techniques to produce special effects to the singing by varying and modulating the voice.
Vibrato, coloratura, and belting are vocal techniques commonly used in Western classical music and other genres of vocal music. Vibrato is a technique where a singer varies the pitch of their voice slightly to create a more expressive and emotional sound. It involves a rapid, slight oscillation of the pitch of the voice, and is often used to add warmth and richness to a singer’s tone. Vibrato can be used by singers of all voice types and is often used in opera, musical theatre, and other genres.
Coloratura is a vocal technique that involves rapid and intricate runs, trills, and other ornamental flourishes in a singer’s voice. It is often used in operatic arias and other vocal music that requires a high level of technical skill and virtuosity. Coloratura is typically used by sopranos and mezzo-sopranos, but can be used by singers of other voice types as well.
Belting is a vocal technique that involves using the chest voice to produce a powerful, resonant sound. It is often used in musical theatre and other genres of popular music, and is characterised by a bright, intense tone. Belting is typically used by singers with higher voices, such as sopranos and tenors, but can be used by singers of other voice types as well.
These vocal techniques can be used to add expressiveness and virtuosity to a singer’s performance and are an important part of the vocal repertoire in Western classical music and other genres of music.
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