Symphonic Candombe

Spent the last couple of days in symphony rehearsals, and wasn't involved musically. Probably the first time I've done this since the 1996.

Last night, the Orquesta Filharmonic de Montevideo presented a concert in Teatro Solis featuring rioplatense musical styles. I was primarily around for rehearsals of the candombe portion of the show, which included drummers and other performers from Mundo Afro.  I was also able to hear the show from backstage. It's always interesting when "classical" musicians are forced to perform "popular" rhythms. There was some frustration on both sides: the candombe drummers felt the orchestral arrangements were "square," and there were some snobbish looks of disgust by a few orchestra members when the candombe drummers failed to follow the maestra's pattern. But in the end, there was a lot of pride in the fusion of the two worlds, and the opportunity to present this music in a very different venue.

Teatro Solís, from the stage.

The video includes clips from rehearsals on November 23, and just before the concert on the 24th. I had hoped to film the show, thinking I had a seat in the audience. Instead I listened from backstage, and with the acoustic shell, there was little space to film with dancers entering and exiting the stage. One highlight of the night was hearing Astor Piazzolla's Oblivion performed using an actual bandoneón; wish I could've recorded some of that performance as well. Also, while waiting for the show to begin, I happened upon a xylophone...inspired to find I was still able to play the opening to Porgy and Bess (using fingers, but what the hell, I remembered it).