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laChewla wroteSpontaneity = live performance. Just because a certain form of music comes printed on music and is rehearsed before performance doesn't mean it lacks spontaneity. When a first violin snaps a string during a performance, or the conductor raises the tempo suddenly, or a solo is played in a beautiful, lyrical fashion that could never be EXACTLY repeated again...yeah. That would be pretty spontaneous in my book.
As far as words go... *hmph* I have none for you on this, buddy.
Yep. There is a lot of interpretation that goes into a performance of any piece, even one that was written 200 years ago. That many cannot appreciate the subtleties of interpretation hidden within a symphony concert is a product of what we are used to from other entertainments. I am guessing it has been like this forever and is really nothing new. There ARE still a lot of people who do appreciate it and go to the symphony. The fact that they have trouble filling a massive hall like the ohio theater says they should probably play venues sized to their audience. Few symphonies play in halls that big.
CSO's problems are due mostly to mismanagement and not a lack of an appreciative audience in columbus. Playing a hall that is too expensive, mismanagement of administrative compensation (non profits shouldn't be cash-cows for their managers), a reputation of management for being inflexible, etc.
As someone who was raised with classical music, and loves the art form, my personal beef has been that our symphony seems to be mostly a pops orchestra and doesn't often perform pieces that interest me. I have gone to a number of lovely performances over the years, but it seems that a lot of the time when I look at going to the symphony it's "Mozarts greatest hits"... AGAIN.
That being said I understand the need to get butts in seats and give people what they want and every year CSO does do at least one solid night of something really interesting. My officemate greatly enjoyed the "Organ" this year, and I was sorry that I had to miss Mahler's symphony #2. I suspect finding a smaller and more affordable venue to call home might allow a more ambitious selection without worrying as much about filling so many seats.
Overall I am very sorry to see the current state of things having deteriorated this far.
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