Poulsbo Community Orchestra Concert Review 2015-04-13

The Poulsbo Community Orchestra Spring Concert was performed at North Point Community Church in Poulsbo. It's been a long time since I heard an orchestra play, but it was well worth the venture out into the rain to hear. The concert had a great turn out and lasted 1 hour, which was the perfect time to get a taste of the classics.

This is the second year of the Poulsbo Community Orchestra (501(c)3 nonprofit), but they look and play like a well seasoned group. I look forward to seeing and hearing more

Maestro Bruce Mansfield conducted the orchestra performing Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 by Ludwig van Beethoven written in 1807 at age of 37. Being the nature of the theme, it is a somber piece.

The main C minor theme represents Coriolanus' resolve and war-like tendencies (he is about to invade Rome), while the more tender E-flat major theme represents the pleadings of his mother to desist. Coriolanus eventually gives in to tenderness, but since he cannot turn back having led an army of his former enemies to Rome's gates, he kills himself. {wikipedia}

The second piece performed was Symphony No. 8 in B Minor (unfinished) by Franz Schubert started in 1822 at age of 25, but at his death 6 years later it was still not completed. It doesn't have a specific theme, so you are left to imagine what story you would like. There were lighter waltz like parts and more intense parts, which allowed for great contrast and introspection to whatever your thoughts might be.

See wikipedia Symphony No. 8 for more details of this symphony.

Video

Video of a couple of selections from Symphony No 8 performed by Poulsbo Community Orchestra: YouTube video (5m50s)