The Colby Echo

Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

The music of the Colby Symphony Orchestra created a serene atmosphere which distracted from the torrential downpour sweeping the campus.

Not even the torrents of rain and dark thunderclouds could detract from the remarkable concert put on by the Colby Orchestra this past Saturday evening. In Lorimer Chapel, a few fierce and dedicated souls found warmth and shelter in the enchanting performance. In a space crowded with umbrellas and raincoats, the chill from the storm was quickly forgotten as the orchestra began the bittersweet serenade of Claude Debussy's "Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un Faune" (The Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun), a musical embodiment of the poem by Stephane Mallarmé. With the poem as accompaniment, the melody painted a vivid spring scene only rivaled by the thought of Colby in May. The alluring conversation between violins and the brass perfectly conveyed the softness of a dream and the sullenness of awaking alone portrayed in the poem.

"Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un Faune" was beautifully followed by the first movement of Emmanuel Chabrie's "Suite Pastorale," creating an even more tranquil and cheerful atmosphere inside the Chapel walls. The dizzying second movement was a quick reminder of the exciting spontaneity of reality. The light and melodic third movement, "Sous Bois," echoed birds and spring as all orchestral sections conversed with each other. A perfect interlude into intermission was the unexpectedly vivacious "Scherzo-Valse" fourth movemen. Its bursting oomph, speed and beguiling air left all craving more; even the animated and enthusiastic musicians danced as the notes dashed around Lorimer, all enraptured in its awe-inspiring form and mood to say goodbye to the holiday-esque pastorale.

Intermission passed quickly in eager anticipation of the two chestnuts we awaited, yet our tummies grumbled for some scrumptious snacks or warm tea to detract from the ominous weather looming outside Lorimer.

Johann Brahm's 1873 piece "Variations on a Theme" by Joseph Haydn was dubbed "a wannabe chestnut" by conductor and associate professor of music Jonathan Hallstrom in his introductions that squally night. Each variation had a unique character and color of its own. The audience grew exceptionally quiet for the magnificent Finale, which crept into every crevice of the chapel with its impressive magnitude as the feeling of transcendence ensnared all.

As if the conductor sensed the audience' apprehension of reentering the storm, the last piece immediately captivated the audience with the lighthearted yet powerful and energetic "Slavonic Dances" by the Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. And from the smile on her face, Emily Parker '08 (first violinist) seemed to be enjoying the pieces just as much as the audience. The overtly nationalistic piece is one of Dvorak's best-known compositions with its melodious force and impressive technical demands. Overall the concert provided a serene and cheerful escape from the chaotic weather outdoors. From the first note until the last, the orchestra played a brilliant concert full of a contagious vitality that was easily communicated to every individual in attendance.

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