On Monday we attended the latest concert in the Orlando Philharmonic's Focus Series: The Great Struass Dynasty. I love that series because it features a smaller orchestra in a more intimate venue, the 300-seat Margeson Theatre. In our seats, we feel as if we could be part of the second violin section; that the sound is not well balanced there is more than made up for by the more direct experience.
This night we heard music from four members of Vienna's great Strauss dynasty: Johann Sr., Johann Jr., Josef, and Eduard. I'm embarrassed to say I've never cared much for their music, especially the waltzes, but this concert was great! For one thing, the musicians appeared to be enjoying themselves, and it was impossible not to laugh at Carl Rendek's antics. Imagine what such a fun-loving guy could do with such titles as Fireman's Polka, On Hunting, Chinese Galop, and ClearTrack Polka, all without detracting from the music, and you'll get the picture. Is it true percussionists have more fun (even if they're not blond)?
However, that's not the most important of what made the concert so interesting to me. The conductor was Andy Lane, and I'm sure he deserves most of the credit; whatever the reason, for the first time, Strauss waltzes made sense to me! I can't explain it any further than that, but Janet, at least, will understand what I experienced.
