Parrot Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Everyone who is attending the symphony: I don't know what the program they give you will say, but in case it doesn't give you the story behind Symphonie Fantastique, you should definitely read Berlioz's own notes for the concert: I. Reveries -- PassionsA young musician, afflicted with that moral complaint which a celebrated writer [Chateaubriand] calls "undirected emotionalism," sees the woman of his dreams and falls hopelessly in love. Each time her image comes into his mind, it evokes a musical thought [represented by an idee fixe] that is impassioned in character, but also noble and shy, as he imagines her to be. II. A BallThe artist finds himself in the swirl of a party, but the beloved image appears before him and troubles his soul. III. Scene in the CountryIn the distance, two shepherds play a ranz des vaches in dialogue [solo oboe and English horn]. The pastoral setting, the gentle evening breeze, the hopeful feelings he has begun to have--all conspire to bring to his spirit an unaccustomed calm, and his thoughts take on a more cheerful cast. He hopes not to be lonely much longer. But his happiness is disturbed by dark premonitions. What if she is deceiving him! One of the shepherds resumes his playing, but the other makes no response.... In the distance, thunder. Solitude. Silence. IV. March to the Scaffold. Convinced that his love is unrequited, the artist takes an overdose of opium. It plunges him into a sleep accompanied by horrifying visions. He dreams that he has killed his beloved, has been condemned and led to the scaffold, and is witnessing his own execution. The procession advances to a march that is now somber and savage, now brilliant and solemn. At its conclusion the idee fixe returns, like a final thought of the beloved cut, off by the fatal blow. V. Dream of a Witches' SabbathHe sees himself in the midst of a frightful throng of ghosts, witches, monsters of every kind, who have assembled for his funeral. Strange noises, groans, bursts of laughter, distant cries. The beloved melody again reappears, but it has lost its modesty and nobilty; it is no more than a vulgar dance tune, trivial and grotesque; it is she, coming to the sabbath. A joyous roar greets her arrival.... She joins in the devilish orgy.... A funeral knell, a parody of the Dies irae. A sabbath round-dance. The Dies irae and the round-dance are combined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted October 9, 2006 Author Share Posted October 9, 2006 Mike, I'll take care of the restaurant reservation if you like. They're just a couple blocks from my office. I would also wait for a complete headcount so you don't lose the only semi-private room they have. I've been tied up all weekend so I'll give you a call tomorrow morning. - Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Sounds good... right now we have 8 confirmed (you would make 9), and waiting to hear from sfelini. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Everyone who is attending the symphony: I don't know what the program they give you will say, but in case it doesn't give you the story behind Symphonie Fantastique, you should definitely read Berlioz's own notes for the concert: I. Reveries -- Passions A young musician, afflicted with that moral complaint which a celebrated writer [Chateaubriand] calls "undirected emotionalism," sees the woman of his dreams and falls hopelessly in love. Each time her image comes into his mind, it evokes a musical thought [represented by an idee fixe] that is impassioned in character, but also noble and shy, as he imagines her to be. II. A Ball The artist finds himself in the swirl of a party, but the beloved image appears before him and troubles his soul. III. Scene in the Country In the distance, two shepherds play a ranz des vaches in dialogue [solo oboe and English horn]. The pastoral setting, the gentle evening breeze, the hopeful feelings he has begun to have--all conspire to bring to his spirit an unaccustomed calm, and his thoughts take on a more cheerful cast. He hopes not to be lonely much longer. But his happiness is disturbed by dark premonitions. What if she is deceiving him! One of the shepherds resumes his playing, but the other makes no response.... In the distance, thunder. Solitude. Silence. IV. March to the Scaffold. Convinced that his love is unrequited, the artist takes an overdose of opium. It plunges him into a sleep accompanied by horrifying visions. He dreams that he has killed his beloved, has been condemned and led to the scaffold, and is witnessing his own execution. The procession advances to a march that is now somber and savage, now brilliant and solemn. At its conclusion the idee fixe returns, like a final thought of the beloved cut, off by the fatal blow. V. Dream of a Witches' Sabbath He sees himself in the midst of a frightful throng of ghosts, witches, monsters of every kind, who have assembled for his funeral. Strange noises, groans, bursts of laughter, distant cries. The beloved melody again reappears, but it has lost its modesty and nobilty; it is no more than a vulgar dance tune, trivial and grotesque; it is she, coming to the sabbath. A joyous roar greets her arrival.... She joins in the devilish orgy.... A funeral knell, a parody of the Dies irae. A sabbath round-dance. The Dies irae and the round-dance are combined. Mmmmnnn ... remind's Me ... a lot of my marriage.............[:^)] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 I'm going to the hospital at lunch today then picking up the tickets on my way home from work. It's very important we get a final headcount since Larry wants to donate the extras back to Strathmore. I spoke with him last night and he's getting pretty restless. He asked for some of your phone numbers so don't be suprised if a couple of you get calls this week. His throat is still very sore so if you answer a call from someone with a strange voice, don't hang up! I'll also be printing this thread for him to read through so if anyone else wants to chime in, I'm sure Larry would be grateful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Call me, Gary... we need to talk! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 I spoke with him last night and he's getting pretty restless... Maybe you guys should kidnap Larry and take him to the concert. You could document the affair with a videocamera and call it 'One flew out with the Kooks':) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 Call me, Gary... we need to talk! Mike Chill out dude! I know you need a ride from the airport!![ap] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Hey Gary, Please give him my cell number. I would like to talk to him. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 Is it definitely eight excluding me? Same for dinner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Is it definitely eight excluding me? Same for dinner? Yep! [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 Possibly 10! Great news - potentially...... Just got back from the hospital and Larry is going to make a break for it. He's planning to escape by Thursday evening and has every intention of making both the dinner and the concert. I convinced him not to drive since he's wearing a neck brace but he would like to have a casual open house on Saturday afternoon before dinner (anytime after 1:00 pm). Those folks can then go to dinner together from Larry's then to the show. He'll need some help getting in and out of cars and walking but he really wants to do this. He'd like people to give him a call on Friday at his house if they intend to stop by on Saturday, assuming he does make it home by then. Please send me a PM if you plan to stop by and I'll give you Larry's home phone #. He's going to make some calls either tonight or tomorrow, depending on when I can get his cell phone to him. If you asked me a week ago if this would even be a possibility, I would have said no way! I certainly hope it works out and he continues to improve at the pace he has over the last couple of days!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Hey Gary, That's great news! I'll be with Marty and I'm sure we will have the opportunity to stop by, but won't commit to it until I talk to Marty. I would think Rick is game as well. You said 10... does this mean you might be coming? [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted October 10, 2006 Author Share Posted October 10, 2006 Hey Gary, That's great news! I'll be with Marty and I'm sure we will have the opportunity to stop by, but won't commit to it until I talk to Marty. I would think Rick is game as well. You said 10... does this mean you might be coming? [] M A Y B E.................................[] Let's see how things pan out. I hope Larry isn't being too optimistic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrot Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Think positive! You go, Larry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
customsteve01 Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 WoW, thats great news. Caroline and I will leave earlier again and try and drop by Larry's on the way to dinner. It was all the well wishing and prayers from his forum buddies that did it. way to go Larry, keep on getting better will ya........................[<)] Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Amy Posted October 10, 2006 Moderators Share Posted October 10, 2006 I'm extremely slow at uncovering this thread (you guys post way too much for me to keep up!!!) [] .... I'm a horrible admin!!!! BEST WISHES, LARRY, FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY!!! I know this event was very important to you.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrot Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Great pic, Amy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiser SET say Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Once again the old addage of "You can't keep a good man down" stands true. Great news and after working so hard to pull this gig off Larry deserves a great big HooRah[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackpod Posted October 10, 2006 Share Posted October 10, 2006 Music... Heals the body, mind and soul I hope it works out that Larry can attend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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