Dramatic hand gestures of the conductor, the expressions of concentration on the faces of the violinists, various emotions of the choir as they sing - a classical concert is as visually stunning as lovely to listen to. Organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Swiss Consulate General and The Bangalore School of Music, the Winterthurer Symphoniker, along with Cecilian Choir and the Bangalore School of Music Chamber Orchestra, performed on October 12 at Movenpick Hotel and Spa.
The orchestra performed four pieces, two of which were choral pieces. Considered one of the first German romantic pieces, the Marksman or 'Freischetz' by Carl Marian von Weber kickstarted the hour and a half long concert. The song, which talks about two shooters who are competing against each other for a fair maiden's heart, features instruments of symphony, from wood-wind instruments like the clarinet, the French horns to flutes and oboes. The next two pieces titled 'Tempest' and 'Nachtlied' by Joseph Haydn Cantate and Robert Schumann, respectively, depict emotions experienced when with nature, whether benevolent or malevolent, like fear during storm, or peace by the riverside. 'Nachtlied' was sung in German, a huge feat for the Bangalore-based 'Cecilian choir' which pulled off both songs with élan. Saving the best for last - Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, a masterpiece of six movements, was a treat for attending music lovers.