Name: Matthew Wong

Course: Introduction to Music

Date: March 21, 2014
Concert: Metea Valley Collage
Concert Report
Type of Concert: Christmas Music performed by high school band, choir, and orchestra.
General reaction: The most significant aspects of the concert I believe were the
interpretation of the music, the technical and musical execution of the music and the
overall repertoire. Although the concert covered more low level ensembles, including
freshman ensembles, to the more mature ones (highest level), they executed their
musicality and interpretations of the music in ways that balanced the whole concert and
made it one worth listening to.

Composition I liked best: The moments where I could prominently see the unique
interpretation of music was, firstly, through one of the songs called Hallelujah. It is a
familiar song that everyone knows especially around the holiday time. It started off with
a girl playing guitar and singing and a boy playing the banjo. All of a sudden the curtains
raise and the concert strings start to play with them and a small choir ensemble starts to
sing with the girl too. Moments later for the big finale, the whole orchestra turns to look
at the audience while they play. This is something that captivates the audience along with
the music. It gives us a sense of connection and turns the song into something more
meaningful than itself. All the Christmas music that was presented as part of this program
was executed in ways that changed the technical aspect of normal Christmas pieces. For
example, a percussion ensemble played their version of Jingle Bells. It included bells,
pipes and even popping balloons which is a unique twist.
The technicality was also very mature and presented nicely throughout all the
groups that performed. One piece I want to talk about is the Concerto no.4 in F minor,
aka Winter from the four seasons, had a featured soloist in this concert. Since it was
being played as a concerto one can tell that there needed some balance and dynamic work
to be done in order for all voices to be heard when needed. Of course during the opening,
closing, and whenever the soloist was not playing, the orchestra played at a grand forte
but it was a nice transition to see as soon as soloist started playing the orchestra would
play at a hushed, but strong piano sound in order to support the sound of the soloist. One
other piece where I could see great technicality was the String Quartet No. 14 in D minor.

Performance of this work: There are only four people playing in such a big auditorium;
however their balanced sound quality and timbre helped the quartet play out. The
articulation and style of the piece was well executed by all members of the ensemble.

Overall Performance: Overall this concert was a great one that was played and presented
well by all groups. I felt that the musical interpretation, technicality, and choice of music
were important when determining the concerts success. These three aspects are the most
significant parts of the concert and made the concert very enjoyable.