Valdosta Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Walton
Music 1100
Dr. Johns
Fall Semester 2008
On September 13, 2008 at 8:00 p.m., the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra had its first
subscription concert. It was located in the Whitehead Auditorium. Bela Bartok’s
“Rumanian Folk Dances,” Darius Milhaud’s “Concerto for Percussion and Small
Orchestra, Op. 109,” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 3 Eroica,” were all pieces played
that night.
Rumanian Folk Dances were different styles of dancing. They played stick dance,
sash dance, in one spot, horn dance, romanian polka, and fast dance. Most of all these
dances made me want to move or groove to the beat. I believe these dances are in A-B-A
form. I think the orchestra is playing the pieces how the are supposed to be danced. The
tempo vary threw all the Rumanian Folk dances.
Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra was played very well. Vif Rude Et
Dramatique was modere, and vigorous and dramatic was moderate. There was many
different rhythms. The beats made me feel like I was at a dramatic movie. The pieces made
me move. Everything was together, but at the same time I could hear the different variety
of instruments.
I think Beethoven’s “Eroica” was the best. There was 4 different section in this
piece. The first was section Allegro con brio. There was many accent notes played. It was a
full sound and had a full range of dynamics. The second was Marcia Funebre: Adagio
assai. This piece had a slow tempo and sounded like a sad song. There was a pretty oboe or
piccolo solo that I loved. The third was Scherzo: Allegro vivace. I believe the horns was
brought out more in this piece. They had a great solo piece. The fourth was Finale:
Allegro molto. I think this piece was played in A-B-A form.
Overall, I believe the concert was great. I loved listening to the different type of
music. Its even better when the concert is free. I cant wait until I go to another one.