Tchaikovsky, the beloved Russian composer and considered one of the greatest musicians of his time, was an extremely troubled man. He was homosexual but desired to conform to the norms of society, and married, out of convenience, a devoted and endearing female fan of his. The marriage quickly deteriorated and ended in disaster, compelling Tchaikovsky to recover in Switzerland. Along his journey, Tchaikovsky encountered the violinist Iosif Kotek, whom he quickly became quite fond of and created the violin concerto with the violinist in mind.
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) concluded their amazing festival of Virtuosity, displaying the incredible and superhuman talents of many critically renowned artists, including violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Hou. I have since personally fallen in love with the violin and, accompanied with the world class CPO, have made for the guaranteed perfect night.
The bill for this performance opened with the high energy and extremely appropriately titled piece, John Estacio’s Frenergy. Imbuing the piece with the words “frenetic” and “energy”, this wild music emphasizes a rapid tempo and energetic pace, with a fast paced-scherzo that brought the piece to a exciting end. This piece literally had me at the edge of my seat, as my eyes were visually stimulated by trying to keep up with the whizzing motions of the instruments and following with my ear the rushing sound. A fast and furious feast for the ears and eyes.
The second piece of the evening was Tchaikovsky’s, Violin Concerto in D Major, showcased the amazingly talented Yi-Jia Susanne Hou. Her dress however was ready to fall apart at any moment, held precariously together with safety pins – unknown to the audience until the end of her performance. This also highlighted her admirable bravery as a performer. She plays with great technical skills and enchantment, as her style and clear mastery of the violin highlight the richness and elegant parts of the piece, bringing fire to complete the wild chase to the ending. Such awesome talent compelled the audience to an outburst of applause after the first movement, making Hou jokingly comment, “…for my encore, we shall perform the second movement.”
She subsequently enraptured the audience with her (real) encore of Ysaye Obsession (Solo Sonata for Violin No.2). Not only had her first performance made my jaw drop the first moment I heard her play the piece (on YouTube, she had created her own music video, “The Devil’s Delight” with chocolate, so make sure to listen!), she smiled warmly at this comment when I met her during the intermission. A personable musician and to my delight and privilege, a light conservation was struck of her previous performances and violin.
Finally, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and Villa-Lobos Chrous No.10 “Rasga o coracao” are pieces that must be experienced. The Rite of Spring is a wild and electrifying score, a rapid tempo and explosion of outbursts of various instruments, not simultaneously, created a frantic melody. This piece was unlike any classical musically piece I’ve heard, the piece’s unique rhythm and melody so concentrated and with explosions of sudden outburst, brings the audience to their feet. Chrous No.10 “Rasga o coracao” highlighted the fabulous powerhouse, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, moves with the upbeat dance rhythms of the score, with their beautiful arches of harmony expressing contagious and moving energy. I am sure you would have also been drawn to the elegant and beautiful sustained notes sung by the Calgary Philharmonic Choir, praising their articulation and exciting dynamics.
Thanks so much to the CPO for providing me the opportunity to enjoy such epic and exhilarating music! Come one, come all, to experience the wonderful music of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra LIVE, as their is simply no substitute that can capture the grandiosity and virtuosity of the CPO and Calgary Philharmonic Chorus.