So here are the first impressions of the concert. I`m pretty tired, so I`ll do the short version:
Let me start with the rehersal. As Birgit mentioned he got on stage and said "I`m sorry how I look today, but I didn`t know, that it is a public rehersal." Yes, for sure we all believe that ;-) Anyway up to a certain point we get used to see him dressed like this, aren`t we? But he was also appearing as if he just had been torn out of bed and told: your rehersal is in 5 min. Maybe that`s why the start of the rehersal was a litte bumpy, but it got better. Some adjustments here and there. But the overall impression unfortunately was a little ropy. Best thing was to watch how well conductor, concertmaster and David get along. They seem to really like eachother and had a lot of fun.
Next: Introduction to the pieces before the concert. Short interview with the conductor. He praised David to the skies and mentioned the good coorporation with all the participants.
Then the concert: To make it short. Forget the CD!!! This is the real deal!
Never heard Zigeunerweisen like tonight (with a little extra, no I`m not telling now) and all the pieces from the cd were so much better. Way more energetic, elegant and moving. Vocalise almost made me cry of it`s sheer beauty. They have an excellent harp-player and they matched so perfectly, pure magic. The orchestral pieces fit perfectly to the rest of the programm and definitely one of my highlights was the Kachaturian Walse that surged back and forth so full of energy. And as a finally: probably the fastest Czardas I`ve heard so far (maybe ever). They, as we say in Germany "Feeded the monkey sugar!"
What a tremendous change. No more lethargy like at the rehersal. This was a blast!
I`m not revealing the "official" encore, cause it would ruin the surprise for those attending tomorrow, but will later this week. Let me only state, that it was wonderful,too. After that people didn`t let him go (as always) so he came back and - let`s sing it as a choir - Carneval de Venice.
Yes it was an almost pure classical concert, but he did introduct the pieces he would play (once he announce the serenade, everybody (including the conductor) looked quizzically and hectic broke out, because it was another pieces turn. they changed note-sheets and it remaind like he had said.Now we know they are flexible (so funny).
What I really liked, was that the audience kept a few seconds quiet after the pieces. So nice to let the piece settle, before applauding.
Now I`m even more curious what to expect at the concert in Cologne on Friday and at the 21st in Wetzlar. News-status-quo: each of them will be different in setting even thou they all belong to the tour. So thrilling! Just can`t wait to hear.
So much to my (short) first impressions. Hope I could transmit a bit of the atmosphere. Will post some more later on. Tomorrow,no, today I`m going back home. So wish me luck for my connections.
Take care everyone!
EIBEE