Out of Egypt:

and it did...

It was a good day. I spent most of the day at work making some changes to the new site layout, which was a refreshing change from the confusion of SEO and site promotions. I enjoy things which take complete focus and which can be completed according to a checklist.

Project management, here I come. So glad to know that I want to pursue a career in communications. Guess I can no longer say it's not my place in the 9-to-5 world.

Of course, the real highlight of my day - what kept me going for hours of Dreamweaver drudgery - was the string chamber ensemble concert at the NEC. The Conservatory's free concert series is truly one of Boston's little-known cultural treasures. I am forever indebted to my friend Dan for putting me in the know - especially since the NEC is having a Steve Reich mini-festival Nov. 28-29. I know at least one person who I can expect to see there...

Until tonight, I had never seen a string chamber ensemble perform live. It was definitely an experience for all the senses (well, maybe not smell or taste...). Seeing the full-body approach that the players took to their instruments was arresting. Some of the ways they moved - especially the violinists - looked quite intense, almost painful. It was like watching a film at several rates simultaneously. While the violinists and violists moved through some quick bowing passages, the double bassist maintaining a languid pace, hitting long sustained pizzicato notes like a metronome. The cellists, in turn, alternated between filling in the bottom and ornamenting the melody with crystalline arpeggiations.

And there was no conductor. The musicians followed each other's signals - exchanging glances, raising eyebrows. At the close of each movement, you could almost feel the ensemble take a breath.

It was refreshing to be present for such an intimate performance. During the intermission, I wandered around Jordan Hall, looking at the various posters advertising other concerts and watching the conservatory students mill about. They have a difficult life, I'm sure, but somehow its circumscribed nature appeals to me right now. At least for a season, the structure and discipline of the arts might be a pleasant contrast from the chaos of urban ministry.

Steve Reich mini-festival????!!! How did I not know of this before? Haha, I knew I was dating you for something.... :)

Did I tell you that I once saw Reich in Toronto? He didn't play himself, but he came out onstage after the University of Toronto performed several of his works. I nearly swooned. Well, maybe I kept all of my conscious faculties, but still the moment goes high on my list of boastable memories...

Posted by: funke at November 15, 2007 7:57 AM

I didn't hear about it either. Dan didn't really know who Steve Reich was, or he would've told me. Anyway, it's Tues & Wed Nov. 28 & 29, and its completely free. Now there's something to write about for Suite 101.

Reich will be there at the performances, but will probably be somewhere in the audience. I wouldn't be able to recognize him though. Although Wikipedia at least let me know I should be looking for someone in his 70s.

Posted by: Evan Donovan at November 15, 2007 8:47 AM