New York Philharmonic concert

On Sunday, April 11, 2015, during my short trip in the New York city, I was lucky enough to be invited to a New York Philharmonic concert by a friend. The concert took place in Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. 3 pieces were played at this concert: Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C minor, BW1060R, by J. S. Bach; Concerto for Violin and Oboe by Thierry Escaich; and Symphony No.10 by Shostakovich.

I was most impressed by the amazing skills of the 2 soloists. 

I was expecting high skills from the soloists standing in front of the New York Philharmonic, but was still dazzled to actually hear them. The violinist, Lisa Batiashvili, known as one of the most fabulous violinists of our time, had such an amazing timbre on her instrument. She had great control of her violin as well, when “piano” was needed, her touch on her strings was so soft and gentle it was like a lullaby to the heart; when “forte” was needed, she provides such a strong and powerful sound from her bow that it was unbelievable. Even though the first piece was a little too slow for my taste I still focused on and enjoyed every second of it. I was also amazed at how young and beautiful she looked.

The oboe player was equally great as the violinist. Francois Leleux surprised me with his beautiful tone on his oboe, it was so pure and flawless I couldn’t believe it was an oboe at first. I read somewhere that the oboe is the most exhausting instrument in the world- yet Leleux remained an absolutely gorgeous sound until the very last note, not showing a single sign of being tired. His techniques were so perfect that I don’t even know where to start- the way he jumps up and down on notes 2 octaves apart like nothing, the clear sounding trills so fast and consonant, or the long breaths he had, holding out to the end of some very frightening long phrases. He was also one of the most expressive musicians I’ve listened to, not just his great music control but also his body language. The way he move his body so much that he was almost dancing to the music was kind of funny at first but after a few seconds it became so touching that I felt like dropping tears. As musicians we tend to care too much about the audience’s stares that we are shy to move around much. If a musician performs with very dramatic body movements he attracts more attention, most people don’t have that sort of strong mind to stand against the extra-stare. But Leleux was so into his music that he simply did not care or even realize that he was moving and people were staring, he was in his own beautiful world of the music, and led us into that world as well with his amazing performance. I envy his amazing skills and musicianship but most of all his strong mind and passion for his career. I’m sure that along his education and career there have been people telling him he moves too much or even mock him, which would scare off many musicians from continuing to do so. It sounds incredible to say, but I feel like I found inspiration and strength from watching him- this is how a man succeed: by doing what he loves and focus his entire heart and soul into it despite what some people might say.

There’s no need to describe how great the orchestra was, New York Philharmonic- the name speaks for greatness itself. However I do want to talk about the conductor. Alan Gilbert has magic in his baton, it’s hard to describe the chemistry between him and the orchestra, the way they just completely trust him and play wherever his baton points to. I also noticed an extremely strong sense of rhythm that I don’t see in a lot of conducting, it’s a matter of personal style but I love his. During the breaks between pieces, he even mentioned that his mother is also playing in the violin section in the orchestra, which is somehow funny but also admirable- I wouldn’t be able to work with my mother watching me!.

As for the music during the concert, my personal favorite piece was Shostakovich, he has been my all time favorite composer.