Writing Prompt: Music That Moves You

 Prompt: Write about a concert you attended that made an impression.

Music That Moves You

So last Friday morning, I awoke early to prepare for my 83 year old mother to pick me up and drive us to the Ohio Theater for a morning dress rehearsal of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Both classical music fans, mom and I were eager to hear that morning’s selections of Tchaikovsky’s piano concerto No. 1 as well as some Brahms and a contemporary piece written during the anxious height of the Covid pandemic. 

I was surprised to see how crowded the Ohio Theater was for this, just a dress rehearsal for the big evening performance that night. After procuring some free coffee and doughnuts, we settled into our great seats in about the tenth row. I looked at the people around me, definitely a much older crowd of senior citizens, which wasn’t surprising considering most younger folks are at work at 10:00 a.m. on a weekday. I’ve always felt comfortable around people closer in age to my mom, so I didn’t feel out of place.

The orchestra members looked relaxed on the stage, most dressed in jeans and casual shirts, wearing sneakers or other type of comfortable footwear. Quite different from the formal attire members sport during the evening performances I’ve attended over the years. I felt fortunate to be able to see the performers in this more relaxed atmosphere, though when the guest conductor joined them onstage, they were quickly at attention and ready to start work.

After a brief introduction about the modern classical piece (the name of which alludes me, and programs weren’t handed out), the conductor led the orchestra through it. I guess I would describe it as a haunting yet ultimately hopeful musical depiction of the Covid pandemic, complete with a harpist’s solo and chiming bells to honor all the lives lost. I found while the orchestra was playing my thoughts drifted back to the time of Covid, and how topsy turvy everything was. I felt grateful I had made it through it, and was thankful the orchestra could again assemble for performances.

Next up was the beloved Tchaikovsky piano concerto No. 1, my whole reason for going with mom to the rehearsal, and boy, the young female pianist performing with the orchestra did not disappoint. It’s a rousing, passionate piece, and mom reached for my hand and squeezed it tightly. I felt completely connected with mom and the music, letting myself get swept up in the emotion of the piano chords dancing with the violins and the rest of the orchestra. Tchaikovsky is definitely my favorite classical composer, and I’m definitely partial to music featuring the piano, seeing as I labored in piano classes when I was a young child. I’m sure you would recognize this famous concerto, it’s been featured in many movies throughout the years. Our Columbus orchestra did a wonderful job with it.

The final selection was Brahms, and I must admit I wasn’t a fan. It was a little too structured and uptight, so I nudged mom gently and whispered could we depart early. She obliged, so we crept out and in the lobby, held hands and both said how much we enjoyed the rehearsal and made plans to catch another one on April 5. Not wanting to end our morning jaunt, I convinced mom to come with me next door to the wonderful Peanut Shoppe, where I purchased bags of assorted roasted nuts and chocolate covered goodies to enjoy with my husband throughout the week. 

As I sit here listening to the Tchaikovsky piece on Apple Music, I’m realizing how lucky I am to have heard it performed live by an excellent orchestra. Thanks go to mom for alerting me about it, and organizing us to get down to the Ohio Theater. I loved the more relaxed atmosphere of a morning dress rehearsal and I’m eager to go to another one. Up next is Beethoven, Hayden and Mozart. And another visit to the Peanut Shoppe, of course!