FAR1500 Assignment: Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony

Jane Smith
Paper #4, Hamlet
Pre-Performance
FAR 1500
Symphonic Bands and Wind Symphonies are one of the most spectacular performances that I’ve ever heard of. Wind Symphonies are mostly performances which only consists of wind and percussion instruments without any stringed ones, such as viola, violin, and cello amongst others (Contra Costa Wind Symphony). The reason why I believe that the performance would be as spectacular as those that I’ve watched before is that the use of only wind instruments create a unique vibe and ambiance that surrounds the whole place while it is being performed. And because this is a “symphony”, I strongly believe that the performance would most likely be in four movements. Symphonies in the history of music are almost always divided this way, where it starts with an “opening sonata”, proceeding to a slow movement (Adagio), then to a minuet and/or scherzo with trio, and ending either with an Allegro, a rondo, or another sonata (Libin). This traditional flow from a slow start to a vibrant end has characterized some of the most of famous sonatas in the history of Western music, such as the Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven and the Clair de lune by Debussy. On one hand, the Moonlight Sonata presents a romantic yet broad approach towards the performance as it transitions from one movement to another. On the other hand, the Clair de Lune is more mannered and “tamed” (if I may call it) that it has a lesser range as compared to the Moonlight Sonata. In light of this difference between the two, it is apparent that sonatas, despite having the same structure, could be very much different in terms of the mood. Thus, before watching the video, I could feel a sense of excitement to know how the performers would approach this mood, amongst others characteristics of the performance. An excitement to know how the conductor would use the different musical elements such as tone, texture, and tempo to craft a piece like I’ve never heard before. Aside from the music itself, I believe that the performers would also utilize some visual elements such lighting and projection. Most orchestras use visual elements subtly in order to emphasize different sections of it depending on who’s playing. In general, the lighting could perhaps be adapted to the mood of the current movement or to emphasize a certain section of woodwinds who are currently playing at the moment. All in all, I’m quite sure that these series of wind symphonic performances would be more than worth the watch.
Jan...