Of Two Minds
I’m arguing with myself. I recently went to see Caroline Goulding (thanks Rebecca) at the Dallas Symphony. I found myself on two sides of a very big fence. One - major metropolitan cities do not need symphony orchestras just ‘cause. Two - major metropolitan cities do need symphony orchestras just ‘cause.
Because I can’t decide - I’m writing two parts.
Part One - If You Don’t Have Something Nice to Say, Don’t Say Anything At All
Prior to the show, I looked at the program. I honestly was going to see Ms. Goulding. I didn’t give a crap what else they were playing. But because I was going, I really should know what is being played. Turns out it was Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3, Music for the Royal Fireworks, and Caroline was playing Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4.
Really? My crazy normal symphony is tackling music that is obviously better played by less-modern instruments or in small ensemble. There’s no way that this orchestra has anything to say about these pieces. The interpretation will be in no way groundbreaking. The hall is too large for these pieces. I can find better recordings of this all over the place. Why would I give up my evening to hear a substandard performance of really nice works?
So what should they play? Well, they are an orchestra located in Dallas with a very strong Latin population. Is there something that they could find in that vein? And it’s a very large hall with some super-cool acoustics. Maybe we look there for some oddball pieces? And we have some really strong music schools here. Perhaps some local or student composers?
If you are a major metropolitan symphony orchestra, don’t you have a duty to make your mark? Los Angeles may not be the best symphony, but they at least have something to say. The orchestra has a personality, a vision. Even New York. I’m not a huge fan of the playing all the time, but the playing is damn good. That’s kind of what they do. Even Baltimore. Marin Alsop has given a voice to that ensemble, even if it’s not always in their general programming. She’s really integrating it into the community.
If you don’t have anything to say, should you really be here at all? Why do you have this fancy hall that takes up downtown real estate? Because we’re a major US city, and we’re supposed to have this? I’m not sure that’s really a reason.
Part Two - Your Local Symphony At Work
Now let’s get to the night of the show. That’s where my attitude changes substantially.
Caroline Goulding is 17 years old. She’s this tiny little creature with a bouncy, blonde bob who is embarking on a major solo career. Because of that, the hall was filled with violin students. There were tons of parents who took their ten-year-olds to the show. And because of that, they made a cool night of it. Mommy was dressed up. Suzie had her last-year’s Easter dress on and a bow in her hair. They probably had a nice dinner and spent the car ride discussing music. What was Caroline going to sound like?* What would she wear? How much does she practice? Think I can get into Juilliard?
If we didn’t have an orchestra, that would never happen. The kids wouldn’t have the opportunity to see a live orchestral performance. They would practice their violin and listen to recordings and that’s it. They’d miss the thrill of the show. They’d probably be a little scared to enter a hall when they were old enough to make the decision themselves. So here was an opportunity for them to get a really great experience right in their hometown.
And the performance itself…well, I was right. Dallas has nothing to say about these pieces. But guess what? Really great works played just OK are still good. Who knew? I didn’t learn anything new about this, but I hadn’t heard this for awhile. No one’s life is being changed by this, but it was a nice concert. Maybe “nice” is about all I can ask for. Dallas is never going to attract the best players, but our players are quite good. And maybe that’s enough. Maybe just being here and providing this experience to our community is better than living without any orchestra.
Epilogue - My Fence
I don’t know where I stand. It’s hard for me to fork over the cash to see my orchestra when there’s nothing that they are giving me that’s unique, new or interesting. But, then again, if this didn’t exist, where would I take my son to experience this kind of music at all? If classical music lovers are always snobs, and this isn’t good enough, then aren’t we doing a disservice to our kids/neighbors by not attending at all? If our money doesn’t help the symphony stick around, then we have nothing.
Is just OK and available better than stellar and a plane ride away?
*I hesitate a bit bringing Ms. Goulding into my argument with myself. The answer to the question is that she played beautifully. It was the perfect piece for a young player to play. She had a sparkling tone and beautiful technique. She performed it a little like chamber music, with some really nice interaction with the orchestra. I really, really look forward to watching her career.
