In Verdi’s day “Viva Verdi! (long live Verdi),”
shouted in praise of Verdi’s music, actually cloaked a political meaning as a
nationalist phrase in support of Italy’s king against their dangerous neighbor,
Austria-Hungary. The initials in the
king’s name spelled out Verdi, and Italians could use it in its double sense.
But they sincerely meant the praise of Verdi as well as
the nation-state of Italy, and Verdi enthusiastically embraced both meanings.
No political meanings here! I am shouting out “Viva Verdi!” in praise of last Sunday’s Verdi Requiem collaborative
concert in Seattle’s Benaroya Hall. Post-concert
euphoria is running high among the singers and
players, and Viva Verdi! seems the
only true way to express appreciation for this unforgettable music, and for the
opportunity to come together with three other arts groups to make it happen.
There is nothing quite like a group of disparate people
coming together to make great music. We
lay aside our differences and work together for a common goal and a common
good. It represents the best of what
society and art have to offer, it is utterly worth the time and effort
involved, and it is immensely satisfying.
Collaborations are always wonderful, but somehow the
participants in this one, Everett Chorale, Master Chorus Eastside, Sacred Music
Chorale, and Sammamish Symphony, were especially warm and supportive of one
another. Our goal was to make the music
of primary importance. Each organization
performed on its own in the first half, and then we united to perform the
Requiem in the second half.
And what a performance it was! And what a great hall to sing in! Surrounded by rich, golden colors and superb
acoustics, we shook the earth in the Dies
irae, warbled unutterably beautiful melodies, expressed the
deepest yearnings of the human heart in some absolutely transcendent music, and
together transpired toward, and achieved, great art.
There is nothing like it!
Viva Verdi!
Dr. Linda Gingrich
Artistic Director and Conductor
Master Chorus Eastside
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