Daphnis & Chloe

I always enjoy the Friday evenings I get to spend listening to the Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall but last night's concert was particularly amazing!  The orchestra began with Prelude a l'Apres-midi d'un faune (Prelude to an afternoon of a Faun) by Claude Debussy.  I had heard this piece several years ago at a performance by Ballet West but it is always easier to listen to the nuances in the music without the "distraction" of the dancing.  I really liked this piece because it was quite atmospheric, especially the themes played by the harp and flute (more about the flute later).  Next, the orchestra played Symphony in Three Movements by Igor Stravinsky.  This piece was incredibly dramatic (it was influenced by the events of World War II) and I really liked the timpani in the first movement and the harp in the second movement.  I also enjoyed the theme played by the clarinet.  I like to listen for the clarinet because I played it in school and I particularly enjoy watching Principal Clarinet Tad Calcara because he always looks like he is having so much fun.  After the intermission, we heard Daphnis et Chloe.  Maurice Ravel composed this piece for a ballet based on an ancient Greek story by Longus.  The ballet tells the love story of Daphnis, a young shepherd, and Chloe, the maiden he is pursuing and it is full of exciting action including innocent flirtation, jealousy, a duel for the prize of a kiss, temptation, an abduction by pirates, a desperate attempt at escape, the intervention of the god Pan involving a dramatic storm at sea, a daring rescue, and the glorious reunion of the lovers at sunrise.  There were supertitles describing the action in the ballet but it was amazing how the different instruments, including the voices of the Utah Symphony Chorus, were able to evoke the various scenes, especially the pirate battles, the storm, and the birds at sunrise.  My very favorite part was when Daphnis imitated Pan's flute so Chloe could dance for him.  Principal Flute Mercedes Smith was absolutely incredible during this section and it gave me goosebumps.  The entire piece was spectacular!  Do yourself a favor and go here to get tickets for tonight's performance!