Thoughts from the Oregon Symphony: Respighi’s Pines of Rome

Reviews
Reflections after attending a performance of the Oregon Symphony on June 6, 2022 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Photo of Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall lobby, 6/6/22

Damn, I love the symphony.

This production was spectacular. It featured three composers: Ottorino Respighi (Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 3 and The Pines of Rome), Nathalie Joachim (Suite from Fanm d’Ayiti, “Women of Haiti“) and Ludwig van Beethoven (Overture to Cariolan.)

Joachim’s section in particular stood out because she was there in person to perform vocals and flute alongside the symphony. (Not to fault Respighi and Beethoven for their absence, because they have reasonable excuses….) Joachim’s suite was inspired by her Haitian heritage and specifically the strength, faith and joy of Haitian women. It was a rich, vibrant work infused with her home and her family, including clips she recorded of women singing in her hometown church.

Stray reflections on the production:

  • Music transcends language and cultural barriers. So many people from different backgrounds can play, listen to, and appreciate it even if they can’t understand each other through words.
  • The conductor – in this case, Oregon Symphony Creative Director David Danzmayr – is engrossing to watch. It’s almost like a dance where he leads and the musicians fall in step.
  • During Beethoven’s overture to Cariolan, I was struck by the ability to tell a story through the music. As soon as I read the notes in the program, I could picture the story in my mind. It reminded me of reading a book that’s so engrossing, you forget you’re looking at words on a page.
  • Even Beethoven, one of the most highly regarded figures in history, couldn’t have known the full impact his music would have on audiences hundreds of years later. Joachim got like 5 full minutes of standing ovation, so hopefully she saw the impact she had on this one audience, this one night. The themes of her music will stay with me long past the performance.