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Crescendo Ignace "Iggy" Jang |
Tchaikovsky’s
‘Pathétique’ packs
emotionIf you have yet to experience the Honolulu Symphony, now's the time to check it out. This weekend, we'll feature one of classical music's all-time favorites: Tchaikovsky's spectacular Sixth Symphony, named "Pathétique." Don't let the title fool you. "Pathétique" is French for moving or touching, not for miserable! It's one of classical music's most "user-friendly" pieces, and its appeal has made it a fixture on greatest-hits charts.
When you hear music that makes you go "Aha!" and you think, "I know this," chances are that Tchaikovsky is the source. The Russian composer created the music for "The Nutcracker" and "Sleeping Beauty," which was a ballet before it became a Walt Disney movie.
Honolulu Symphony
Guest conductor Naoto Otomo leads the Honolulu Symphony and soloists Darel Stark, violin, and Michael Szabo, bass trombone:In concert: 8 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday
Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Tickets: $16 to $59
Call: 792-2000, or Ticketmaster, 877-750-4400
Disney turned it into a Hollywood classic by adding words to the popular tunes. Sitcoms and commercials have used the romantic theme from Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" to portray love-crazed characters, and the Finale of his Fourth Symphony was once synonymous with a super-strong, fast-acting dishwasher detergent. As funny as it is, that's also a testament to his spellbinding and multicolored compositions.
Let's consider the popularity of the "Pathétique." It's got a powerful opening movement, a graceful waltz, an incredibly exhilarating march and a tragic, moving finale. Tchaikovsky wrote, "It is based on so much emotion and feeling that when I composed this work I found myself crying."
The most gripping moments happen with the orchestra going full blast in heartbreaking climaxes that border on hysteria. It was both "pathétique" and prophetic: Nine days after its premiere in 1893, the composer became a victim of a raging cholera epidemic and died.
If Tchaikovsky cried while writing his Sixth Symphony, he started a tradition that continues to this day. I have personally witnessed conductors, apparently overcome by the music, in tears when performing the piece.
First Tchaikovsky, then conductors. Are classical musicians hopeless romantics, or are we just crybabies starving for attention? Should the orchestra also fall on its knees and weep hysterically in a gesture of solidarity? That would be a little too much showmanship for most audiences, and how would we play, let alone see, our instruments? This weekend, we'll stay focused on the proper execution of the music. And, perhaps the orchestra and the audience will shed a few quiet tears from the pure exquisiteness of the music.
LEADING THIS brilliant evening will be Japanese conductor maestro Naoto Otomo, making his long-awaited return to Honolulu. He will be joined by soloists Mike Szabo and Darel Stark -- both Honolulu Symphony orchestra members -- showcasing their bravura in their respective instruments, the bass trombone and the violin. Mike and Darel illustrate the fact that gifted musicians can be found right here in the islands.
As someone who has made the jump from orchestra member to soloist a number of times, I can relate to what Mike and Darel are going through. A typical day in their lives might consist of personal practice, teaching private students or working with the symphony's education programs, rehearsing with the orchestra, plus activities such as playing for churches and community groups.
People don't always understand the level of concentration needed to perform as a soloist. All soloists think, live and breathe the work they perform. I often get quite moody in this situation, unable to give much attention to anyone.
Mike and Darel have dedicated their lives to music and started by taking private lessons at a young age, then continuing on to specialized music schools and colleges. To break into the professional world, they traveled across the nation to audition for positions. Competition is fierce for the small number of positions that become vacant each year. When Mike and Darel take center stage, it will highlight the arduous path every musician must travel to make it into the spotlight.
Like all soloists, Mike and Darel have been cramming their schedules lately to prepare for the concerts. Ewazen's Bass Trombone Concerto and William Schumann's Violin Concerto are complex pieces that require a great deal of time to prepare. Darel will dedicate at least five to six hours per day to practice, while Mike will punch the clock for about five hours of practice. Wind instruments, such as the bass trombone, put a lot of strain on the lips. As a result, Mike has to be patient and perform in shorter blocks of time -- if you could call five hours a short practice time!
When you hear Mike and Darel perform, you won't just enjoy beautiful music, you'll hear the result of years of hard work. Seeing you enjoy the performance is the best compliment they could receive.
And, don't forget to put a few tissues in your pocket for the "Pathétique" -- you might take after Tchaikovsky and shed a few tears of your own.
Ignace "Iggy" Jang is the Honolulu Symphony's concertmaster. His column will appear on the Monday prior to each concert of the season to illuminate works to be performed. E-mail comments and questions to Jang at suggestions@honolulusymphony.com
