We are going to kick this blog off with a review of the Colorado Symphony with special guest Kip Winger (yep, that Kip Winger):
(I will understand if you momentarily forgot about the rest of this post.)
I have to say this was a revelation.
Things I learned:
- Kip is a Colorado native (for those not in CO, the Colorado Native is a rare and elusive breed. I’m a third generation Colorado resident and none of the generations were native. Ponder on that).
- Kip has won awards for his ballet scores. They played several of his pieces and they were excellent (though I admit that I couldn’t stop thinking that they were composed by the guy who brought us “Seventeen”. Which I’m pretty sure was required by the label at the time and I don’t hold it against him, but does earn him the Greatest Career Variety Award).
- The pieces they played reveal the progression of his music from rock to classical. They also highlighted (possibly accidentally) for me the similarities in between early 20th century music (Ravel, et al) and jazz in chord structure. I either slept through this in music history & theory or my teachers failed to point this out (its really a 50/50, those classes were very early in the morning!). Since I’m not a giant fan of either genre, I may also be having a “Captain Obvious” moment.
Things I already knew and had confirmed:
- 20th Century Classical Music is not my favorite.
- Baroque music is my favorite – fantastic job on the Purcell!
- Bjork is better covered than in the original.
- The CSO continues to have interesting programming and tries hard to connect with its audiences. People, please support this valuable local treasure.
- Miles Away is still my favorite Winger song. Yep, I have a favorite Winger song. Their musicianship was definitely underrated. Don’t judge. Just go listen.
Things that I’m still pondering:
- Scott O’Neill, resident conductor, said the only three musical styles that originated in America are the Musical, jazz, and minimalism. Um, blues, rock n roll, and country don’t count?? There is some definite room for debate here.
- Is Saint-Saens’ Danse Bacchanale from the opera Samson Et Dalila the most rock n roll classical music song? I mean, thematically probably (Bacchanalian orgies are so \m/). Sound and groove wise, I am open to other possibilities. Though I adore this song – it is one of the most fun songs I’ve ever played.
- The program notes suggested that The Beatles Ticket to Ride is considered the first metal song. After doing some research, perhaps John also said this? I find this a tad bizarre and would probably say Helter Skelter or I Want You (She’s So Heavy) is more accurately the first metal song, if we are going to credit The Beatles with this honor. Your thoughts?
- Why is there always that guy after a classical concert (ok, all concerts) that has to be superior and make inane comments about the artist or music? Overheard: “You can really hear what 30 years of rock music does to a voice. I don’t know what he sounded like then but I could really hear it now.” Could you sir? For the record, Kip sounded great.
All in all, an excellent and thought provoking evening. Thank you all!!