Symphony II - Ian McEwan Style.

Just as the conductor dropped his wand, the hall was filled with music.  The first piece to be performed was a very famous waltz by Strauss.  If you were to think of a waltz in your head, the one that came to your mind would most likely be that very waltz.

Now, as I have said, I am a Classical music lover - my favorite being the Baroque - and having only heard it reproduced electronically, the first thing that occurred to me was the clarity and quality.   I don't know how long I had been doing it, but at some point during the second movement, I realized my mouth had been agape, and I shut it promptly.   But I couldn't help from nodding my head and tapping my foot to the gentle lilt and the calm, sweeping rises and declinations of the waltz.

When the piece was over, I clapped vigorously, perhaps too much so, but I was caught up in it.
After a short two minute break that the symphony used to reset and add and remove instruments, the concert master reemerged - to more unjustified clapping - and then the conductor, who mounted the podium, turned to us and began to speak!

First, he introduced the violin soloist, who may or may not have been famous in symphonic circles. The soloist came out to a great roar of clapping, and I was drawn to his shiny tuxedo. Instead of a traditional cloth tuxedo, his was made of black rubber.  I'd never considered the option of rubber for a tuxedo material.  My friend glanced over at me and I saw in her eyes that she too was delighted by the soloists rubber outfit.

I tried to listen to the conductor as he gave an informative, insightful speech about the piece to follow but the rubbered soloist was quite distracting.
Soon, the piece started and the soloist substantiated any claims he may have been making with his tux and played a masterpiece on his little violin.

The piece itself was composed by Alban Berg in the early 1930's and elicited images of thunderous battlefields and war.  Being a European, Berg saw the troubles ahead and incorporated these themes into his piece.  Even though the soloist was fascinating and shiny, the piece was difficult to listen to and, ultimately,  I was happy when it was over.

I was truly excited for the next piece, written by Brahms...