The sweet spot—that place where everything just feels perfect. Saturday’s concert hit the sweet spot. At least it did so for me and for many of the people I heard from afterwards.
It was four remarkable musicians finding that magical blend of talent and emotion. It was three compositions that spoke to us of beauty and sorrow, of joy and pensiveness, of virtuosity and simplicity. It was an audience that gave rapt attention and then rapturous applause.
But those words could describe many of the concerts we have enjoyed over the years. We have frequently had musicians of the calibre of these four. In fact, we usually do. Finding outstanding talent is something we take seriously.
The music they played was beautiful. But we are treated to great masterpieces and unexpected musical miracles time after time. Every season we hear well-known works like the Brahms trio and surprising unfamiliar delights like the Rabl quartet.
You the audience are a factor in this. Yoonah mentioned to me how much they enjoyed and fed off your engagement. Then in response to my thank you email, the other three each added similar sentiments. I hear that often from performers. The Butter Quartet said the same thing in November.
So what was special about this particular Saturday evening? I honestly can’t be sure. Sometimes things just click in a magical way.
Certainly, including a clarinet added a sonority that we don’t hear as often. Several folks were at the program specifically for the clarinet. Someone else thought the violinist stood out. Another person was transfixed by the cellist. I spoke to someone who, like me, was blown away by the pianist. Each of us experiences the music in our own way.
The Rabl quartet was all the talk at the intermission. It truly was a wonderful discovery and deserves to be heard more often. But the Smetana trio in the second half was so deeply moving. There were utterly heart-breaking sections. But joy found its way in too. The piece came from the heart of a father grieving the death of his daughter. When the second movement opened in such a sprightly manner, I felt he was remembering her playful childhood. A gentle melody followed, his recollection of tender moments together. And then the weight of grief overwhelmed the music once again. What an emotional journey!
At many of our concerts someone tells me that it was the best performance they’ve been to. Everyone finds their own sweet spot. This was one for me. It was obviously true for many others. No explanation needed.
There are more great moments to come.
John Wiebe
President
The Valley Concert Society