Sunday, December 25, 2011

Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall

It’s a testament to the improvements in technology that more arts organizations are expanding their offerings beyond live performances in concert halls and opera houses. The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD is one example. Another example is the Berlin Philharmonic’s Digital Concert Hall. I discovered this through my Samsung Smart TV and the Digital Concert Hall app.

I signed up for a two day trial and am enjoying a Simon Rattle program of Janacek and Mahler. The quality is quite excellent - audio and video. I’ll have to do some more listening before I decide whether this is money well-spent. I think it is just a matter of time before more arts organizations, looking to expand their base, start to offer more alternatives like the Digital Concert Hall. I’m glad the technology is good enough to offer such opportunities.

Posted by Randy on 12/25 at 07:16 PM
Orchestra Music • (0) Comments • Permalink

War Horse

Earlier in the fall I had the opportunity to see War Horse, the play, in New York at Lincoln Center. I had a great seat, eighth row center, to see a great story come to life in a production with dazzling production values. It was a great night for theatre. Christmas Day 2011 saw the release of Steven Spielberg’s movie version of War Horse. While I enjoyed the movie (I rarely see movies), I once again realized why I prefer live theatre over film. I always feel distance watching a film. It also doesn’t help that movie-goers tend to be less polite than theatre-goers. Somehow the rustlling of chip bags doesn’t cut it for me. I would definitely recommend the movie - and highly recommend the play. It’s a compelling story in both cases. One that will tug at your emotions, especially if you have an appreciation for animals, family and history.

 

There is also a podcast available in iTunes: War Horse puppet demonstration and Interview.

Posted by Randy on 12/25 at 06:54 PM
Movies • (0) Comments • Permalink

Faust

On Friday, December 23 I attended the live performance of Gounod’s Faust at the Metropolitan Opera. While I had seen this the previous weekend in HD, I had the opportunity to get a $25 ticket through the Agnes Varis and Karl Leichtman Rush Tickets program. The program offers discounted orchestra seats to a select group who enter a weekly drawing. I have tried to win tickets for several weeks, but this week my name came up, and I was able to purchase a decent seat (Row W, Seat 32) in the orchestra.

While I enjoyed being there for the live performance and actually able to see more than I would see in my normal Family Circle perch, I was somewhat disappointed since the two principals (Jonas Kaufmann and Marina Poplavskaya) were out that evening. Rene Pape was working as the Devel. The replacements, while certainly quality, seemed dim in comparison to the incredible singing I heard the previous weekend. That being said, one of the most exciting aspects of being present at the Met for a performance (and in the orchestra) is hearing the Met orchestra.

I’ll look forward to seeing Madame Butterfly later this week. From the Family Circle.  smile

Posted by Randy on 12/25 at 06:32 PM
Opera • (0) Comments • Permalink
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