Bach to the Orpheum

Rush seating promotion for students. So i was there at the ticket door at exactly 1hr queuing up before the concert to get my $10 ticket. The orpheum theatre entrance from granville street. 

The golden brown walls, the red details and red carpet gives an atmosphere filled with heritage and grandeur. I know, it comes of as cheesy but I was really impressed. Come to think of it, my alma mater (VS) should have a room set to a similar decor theme. 

Exploring the interior layout of the orpheum is such an adventure with stairs leading to odd corners and chambers. Below, is a view of the main area right in front of the main entrance. 

In one of the corners there is a tribute to stars, canadian stars. Most of which I never heard of before. Of the few I definitely knew were- Diana Krall, Bryan Adams.

Brandenburg concertos are like an abiding happiness. Being played on periodic instruments, the interplay of harmony in the melody lines of different parts bring sheer delight that rings through to my soul. No. 1 in F major opens with thunderous hunting calls in the horns that is tamed by the rest of the instruments including 3 oboes, bassoon, violino piccolo, strings and continuo. The ensemble maintained a modest dynamic level which demanded additional concentration as a listener. Always in the soft movements, the phrasing of the melody lines are so graceful and I believe that would have to be how Bach had intended it to be.

I can't really decide on my favourite because each concerto tells such diverse stories and feature a unique combination of instruments ranging from oboe, violin, viola, recorder, transverse flute, cello, viola da gamba and even the harpsichord. Of course the continuo of double bass and theorbo ever reliable as the foundation of the ensemble. Below is a picture captured before the start of a particularly unique trebley mix of trumpet, recorder, oboe and violin for the No. 2 in F major. Period trumpets aren't as loud as modern orchestral trumpets and is able to just balance a tutti melody line with the recorder at certain sections. 

Richard Egarr is the music director of the Academy of Ancient Music. He tells the stories of the Brandenburg concertos with the excitement of a child and I appreciated how he engaged the audience throughout the concert. In No. 5 in D major, he has the sickest harpsichord cadenza solo which was executed with such vigour and energy. I have a new appreciation for the harpsichord.

A mural on the ceiling of the theatre. Fortunately, the seats were comfortable and most of the time my posture was facing the stage even though occasionally I let my eyes close and let my imagination (and arguably my consciousness) slide into an alternate realm.

NUSSO plays their annual concert in a few hours time. May the concert be a success!
Less noteworthy is the date today-Friday the 13th.