Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” @ TSO

My wife and I recently attended the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. This famous proto-modernist work is one of the most popular and controversial pieces of music of all time. Originally conceived as a ballet, the work has achieved fame for its incredible rejection of classical ideas of tonality and key signature. The first performance in Paris caused a famous riot, as patrons reacted violently against the shocking musical motifs and decidedly non-traditional dancing. 

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Mozart Masterworks Concert, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

January 22^nd, 2014, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto ON

Program:

• Serenade No. 10, K. 370a/361 “Gran Partita”
• Violin Sonata No. 18, K. 301/293a
• Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat Major, K. 482

Featured Performers:

• Louis Lortie, conductor and piano
• Jonathan Crow, violin

There’s a particular flavor to Mozart’s work. He never walks anywhere if he can cartwheel, if you get my meaning. The man was an inveterate showoff, and an indisputable genius.

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 @ TSO

So many instruments, so few roadies…

My wife and I recently attended our second performance by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Mozart Symphony No. 40 @ TSO

One of the great gifts that age has bestowed upon me is my renewed appreciation for classical music. Music is a never-ending well of magic and beauty, and the deeper down into it you go, the more you are able to fathom the alchemy of sound and emotion.