King & Emperor

Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Jean-Claude Casadesus conductor

Barry Douglas piano

Marc Rochester organ

Program:

BEETHOVEN - Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 'Emperor'

SAINT-SAËNS - Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 78 'Organ Symphony'

Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall

Time: 24 April 2009 730pm.

Quite a magnificent view of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in the Esplanade Concert Hall.

Initially was enjoying the performance till the guy in front of me was edging so forward that he blocked almost 40% of my view. I know we enjoy the music with the ears but when im paying for the SSO concert, i expected a good visual register of the performance as well. It was only till the second piece that i remind that guy to sit BACK. Alright, very nice, he did sit back (to enjoy) after that. Thank you but he did spoil my first piece anyway; the beethoven composition. Because half of the time im boiling. The tune of Beethoven's emperor piano concerto isnt my favourite tunes and with the guy spoiling picture, the first half of the concert was pretty much wasted.

Despite that, the concert was still well worth since we bought the tix that comes with student discounts. At least i didnt spend it on some crap movies. Except when the conductor finally left the stage with the orchestra members, i was reluctant to leave, just like the other audiences. Typical scene if you attend any classical concerts.

The audience will be very generous with their applause and hoped that will encore for more pieces; you know, since we already paid, why not. 'Make it more worth for the tickets, please.' I was telling Jeff to watch on for the habituals applause.

Yesterday it was the same. When beethoven piece ended, Barry Douglas thanked 3 times. Then i was sure he was shy when he played one encore piece before the audience decided to let him off and went for a break during the intermission. For the second symphony, the last piece when it ended. the audiences were still rooted to their seats, sprinkling on Jean, the conductor and the SSO with further 7mins applaud. The conductor, at least, did a show.

Went in and came out to thank the audience more than 4 times. Later he was urging the members to stand and bow as well. Still, was he stingy? Everyone still continued with the clappings till finally, the conductor urged the sso to stand and leave the stage together. It was almost the immediate next second, the thunderous applause broke off and people were leaving the seats.

My two cent worth; i dont think it was that an astounding performance. At least it was successful, because it requires alot effort to present a symphony. Standard wise, i think we are still far from an extremely professional SSO. It felt rojak to me, because the various instruments' sound doesnt seem to blend well together. Timing, beats and rhythms. I was rather perplexed with the bountiful applaud and cheerings. So was the performance too good that the audience was asking for an encore? Or do we just want to make the tickets more worth? I asked jeff for his opinion. But he is unwilling to lay a conclusion. He explained " it wasnt good for me to offer my view when i wasnt sure of the standards'. He made me realised i was quite a critic. Still, im looking forward for such concerts. Can they release piano festival 2009 calendar soon~

After the concert, we went for late dinner at thai express. When i was diving for the green curry the moment it was served, i knew i was actually, famished.

and if i have more time, i'll treat my eyebags.