Music

Performance Analyisis 

Shwarz and Copland Third, WSO. 
John William- Three pieces from Schindler’s List.

Violinist: Karl Stobbe.

A tall thin man, dressed in a black suit with tails stood solidly at the left of the conductor.  He faced a lacklustre audience that filled only half of the giant theatre. His violin and bow in either hand he inhaled calmly and then raised the violin to his chin and crossed his bow over the strings.   The orchestra, donned in black behind this man, played solemn full harmonies that compelled the spirit to follow along this musical journey as directed by the tall thin man’s violin.   

As a familiar tune echoed in a silent concert hall, a sense of soothing would lapse in and come over the room to be followed by a heart wrenching persistent ache.   This music designed and crafted to convey a story of bravery, heartache and horror during the Second World War that couldn’t be addressed with words or action when depicted in the film Schindler’s List, was now a vehicle for reflection for an audience many removed from the Holocaust horrors.  The richness of historic colors present in the music seemed to solemnly move its performer.   He remained a presence on stage but seemed to be small, and them music that surrounded his took precedence. Despite the sad beauty that encased the melody, painful and almost detached moments were evident for the violinist.    His body swayed with the melody that spoke of hardship, and with his eyes closed he seemed to see the faces of those affected by the terror.   With each crescendo the intensity swelled and his performance peaked yet again.

This performance was powerful because of the simplicity in which it was conveyed.  There need not be bells and whistle, the music expressed it all, and the performers was the instrument to amplify its message.     There was a humble gratitude that was present in the performers eyes as he received his stand ovation for his moving performance.