Serendipity + music

Today, I had an experiment with Destiny... sort of like Serendipity - to see whether I have any "yun" (Chinese word for fate/destiny) with a certain someone...

While I sat and wrote in my journal, I thought - it doesn't matter whether this person turns up or not.. because I'm happy. My contentment is in God, and His current portion for me. He has and is pouring my cup to overflow with beautiful friendships, great experiences, and lots and lots of fun.

Yesterday, I went to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO)'s Master series concert "The Slender Thread" at the Hamer Hall. Oleg Caetani was meant to conduct, but for some reason the MSO's new Principal Guest Conductor, Tadaaki Otaka (renowned Japanese conductor) stepped in to conduct this concert instead.

First piece was Brahm's "Song of Destiny" - an emotional piece about the serenity of heaven and the toil of human kind (denoted by a 'tumbling down to earth' section). This piece was performed by the MSO orchestra and MSO chorus. My eyes welled up with tears as I read the notes in the program about that piece. I even commented to my friend "I'm so excited I want to cry.".... But unfortunately, the 'heaven' part lacked the emotion/heart-stirring beauty I was expecting. The 'tumbling down to earth' part was more exciting, but admittedly, I was disappointed - the chemistry I had previously seen between Oleg and the orchestra (and even with the Chorus) was not there that afternoon with Otaka and the orchestra. I guess they just need time to bond.

Second piece, Wagner's "The Valkyrie: Wotan's Farewell and Magic Fire Music"which depicts the sorrow and heart-brokenness of the god Wotan. It was performed by the orchestra with John Wegner (bass-baritone) as Wotan. Dramatic, captivating - I had seen John Wegner perform Wagner before (in fact, it was the concert I went to with Stu to celebrate his bday over a year ago - "The Flying Dutchman") - it was exactly what one would expect of John Wegner, and of course, from Richard Wagner.

The third piece - Brahm's "Symphony No 2" - one of his most renowned. It's an audience-friendly piece that would appeal to a larger crowd.

Li and Mike were there also, and I learnt from them the meaning of Allegro non troppo (first movement) - fast but not too fast. Apparently an old lady had gone up to Li during the interval, and, thinking she was a music student, had inquired the meaning of "non-troppo". By the way, yes Li did look like a music student that day. And Mike confirmed that it means "not too much" - i.e. allegro (fast) non troppo means "fast but not too fast" on the internet via his mobile. haha.

The four movements of this symphony were pleasing to the ears - my favourite being the second and fourth movements. The second movement was Adagio non troppo - melodic, romantic - a great symphonic piece. The fourth movement was triumphant and at this point I thought "ah ha! THAT's the MSO that I came to see!" The orchestra was in their element, playing with the vigour and intensity which I love to see and hear. I was so happy and fully engaged. (At this point, I looked over and my companion for the afternoon had nodded off....) All of it made me smile.

And we had amazing seats - they were a bit of an experiment on my part as the lady at the ticketbox had recommended them - Box A seats 5 & 6. The Box is not always open; but it offers great views just above and to the side of the orchestra and chorus. I had wanted to see Oleg's facial expressions while conducting. But I must say, Otaka, although more mild when it comes to facial expressions, was still good to watch in his kindly Japanese old gentleman kind of way. Yes, I am now indeed addicted to the Box seats, as Rosemary (the Arts Centre ticketbox lady) had forewarned.

After the concert, I made a brief stop at BBB for a coffee, and then went to purchase myself an early bday pressie - something feminine and pretty. I am a firm believer that every girl should invest in beautiful intimate apparel. It's part of the whole concept of "Beauty from within" - both figuratively (i.e. morally, sensually, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually) and in actuality (physically).

In the evening, I went to a soiree at my friend's house where his men's chorale performed. They sang in a capella over four brackets - folk songs, French, Latin, more contemporary songs... They looked like they were having heaps of fun performing, which made it fun for the audience as well.

They performed a song called "And so it goes" by Billy Joel, which had lyrics about a room in one's heart which captured my attention.

In every heart there is a room
A sanctuary safe and strong
To heal the wounds from lovers past
Until a new one comes along

I spoke to you in cautious tones
You answered me with no pretense
And still I feel I said too much
My silence is my self defense

And every time I've held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break

And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows

Watching the choir perform reminded me of my old choir days. How I long to sing and perform again....

And it was with this that I signed off on my journal. My experiment with Destiny did not work and who I thought would appear did not do so. So I guess it's meant to be.

I felt deliriously happy the rest of the day anyway.