Thread: Recordings vs. Concerts

I've only been to the 'Nutcracker' a few times, and "La Traviata" one time, but I put down 'once a year' because 'practically never' wasn't an option in the poll.

I agree with topaz that you can get excellent reproduction at home with a good Hi Fi system, and I listen every night through my system, but for me a live performance is unbeatable and I go to about 6 a year and would happily go to more if they were within reach, I also enjoy the pre concert talks.

The local orchestra where I live is always broadcasted live, and they are always wonderful! The real sound is of course better, but the hall itself is so poor and unadeqate (this was built as a cinema, and is still used as one when the orchestra isn't performing, so it hasn't been changed for better acoustics) that it is better to hear the broadcast than get a bad seat (and they are many!). Last year when Ashkenazy conducted it was specially re-broadcasted week later, I attended of course (the Ashkenazy concerts are always very enjoyable) but didn't get a good seat. Week later I compared the live-experience to the recording, I found the recording a greater experience.

Originally Posted by Saturnus

The local orchestra where I live is always broadcasted live, and they are always wonderful! The real sound is of course better, but the hall itself is so poor and unadeqate (this was built as a cinema, and is still used as one when the orchestra isn't performing, so it hasn't been changed for better acoustics) that it is better to hear the broadcast than get a bad seat (and they are many!). Last year when Ashkenazy conducted it was specially re-broadcasted week later, I attended of course (the Ashkenazy concerts are always very enjoyable) but didn't get a good seat. Week later I compared the live-experience to the recording, I found the recording a greater experience.

If I spend twenty dollars on a concert or the same price on a compact disc, I could listen to the latter more than once. But then I feel like I'm missing some kind of life's pleasure if I don't go out to a concert once in a while.

I saw Ashkenazy conduct the RPO in Lincoln, Nebraska some years ago, and I still remember it well. They performed Shostakovich's 10th, and I made sure to get a seat not 10 rows back from center stage. It was in a venue not known for having great accoustics, but I also wanted to sit closer for an occasion such as that one. It cost me quite a bit, too, but I conclude it was worth it, considering the experience is still vivid in my memory. When a major orchestra is touring and stops in my relatively sparsely-populated part of the country, I must go.

I had a similar experience seeing Solti's CSO perform Tchaikovsky's 4th many years earlier, but with a much worse seat.

Now, since two seasons ago when a great new orchestra hall was built in Omaha (where I live), the accoustics are world-class and I can pay 15 dollars to see a concert if I sit in back. The low price of a ticket therefore begs me to see more concerts.

One question I have, though, is how much value do you place on being able to see the orchestra rather than just being able to hear it? Is it important to see the sweat on their brows, the expressions in their faces? Is that part of your live concert experience, or do you close your eyes? I can hear the music just fine from where I sit, but they also look like ants way down there.

Being a student and the girlfriend of a conductor, I find myself attending at least one performance every two months. This number actually could use to be a bit higher. I wish that I was in a community where we did have an orchestra and it was possible to go see perfromances and experience music. I guess I really can't complain because the situation here isn't that bad but it could be better.

Maybe that's where my strong desire to pick up and high tail it overseas comes from.

But to put it simply: NOTHING can beat a live performance.

I think nothing compares to a good live performance. It's just not every live performance is good...Someone used to say that when you buy a recording you get a post card from a live show as a reminder. I believe it's true.

Originally Posted by CelloPrincess04

Being a student and the girlfriend of a conductor, I find myself attending at least one performance every two months. This number actually could use to be a bit higher. I wish that I was in a community where we did have an orchestra and it was possible to go see perfromances and experience music. I guess I really can't complain because the situation here isn't that bad but it could be better.

Maybe that's where my strong desire to pick up and high tail it overseas comes from.

But to put it simply: NOTHING can beat a live performance.

You make it sound like NYC is a desolate waste ground for classical music. Is it? Perhaps Vienna might be the place for you. I must admit Vienna does sound like a nice place to live, and I guess work if you are a musician. I have not been there but hope to rectify that situation soon. Are there any better music centres I wonder, combining lots going on in the classical music scene and good social facilites, local scenery etc.

Topaz:


ahhh, NYC, I have no idea about the musical scene. I'm about 7.5 hours removed from the city. I'm actually closer to Canada than anything else. The closest city for me to get to would be Toronto. The city that I live in (it's stuck right inbetween Buffalo and Niagara Falls) lacks any sort of community music program. At least Buffalo has a Philharmonic, eventhough I am aware they are not on the level of most professional orchestras.

I was visiting Edmonton about the time Marilyn Horne was making her stop there on her farewell tour, so I went to the concert. The day after, I was wandering through the dining hall at the University of Alberta and overheard two professors (possibly) talking about the concert, and they weren't very pleased with her performance. "Yeah, I left at the intermission..."

I'd love to hear a great performance, but when I go to concerts, it's as much so to see the people who perform it as what they perform. I maintain a sense of loyalty by not leaving early.

I do same at sporting events; my team could be losing embarrasingly, but yet I'll stay to the conclusion, because it's about more than what they can give me. Unless I sincerely felt they were not trying their best, I feel like I owe them something in return for their efforts.

The idea of "ownership" extends further. People who give the impression to their bosses at work that they "own" the job they do - rather than just do it for the money - are the ones who get on in the longer term. By "owning" a job means that you take a pride in it, and want it to become more important, and the whole company/organisation to succeed.