From Ray Charles to Mozart - A Weekend of Engaging Music

This past weekend I had the good fortune of obtaining complimentary tickets for two fantastic performances at the Mondavi Center. Sweet! Last Friday night, I was treated to a concert by John Scofield along with Mavis Staples with their tribute performance to the music of one of my favorite singers, Ray Charles. I then got to cap my weekend with a Sunday with Mozart, a series celebrating the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth. Needless to say, my weekend started out rocking and ended with up with a bang!

First, I would like to mention that I am a Ray Charles fan. Hearing my favorites like Hit the road Jack, You don't know me, Georgia and many others through a different interpretation was both fresh and exciting for me. I thought that while John Scofield's music is influenced by Ray Charles, his musicality still emerged from his performance. If music is said to be the outlet for the soul, then I guess John Scofield bares it quite a lot. While watching John Scofield (and also Mavis Staples) jam, I realized that the freedom to express one's self through jazz was quite powerful. I also thought there was a cool, calm, collective element in listening to John’s and Mavis’ performance. To be honest, I prefer classical type music with its recurring themes and structure. However, I felt there was something liberating just listening to the seemingly free flowing musical expressions of John and Mavis on stage that night. Later in the show I found myself immersed in their music and even wanting to stand and dance as well! I looked around, as I often do (c’mon everyone likes to people watch.) and realized that a number of people at the grand tier were already dancing! So, I stood up and I let the rhythm of the blues take me away. Overall, this event was a fresh and entertaining way to start out my weekend. Wished you were there!

I always look forward to the Sundays with Mozart' series of the Mondavi Center and was lucky enough to get tickets to this event. I find the series enriching, engaging and entertaining. The format of the show is such that there is a lecturer, the inimitable Robert (Bob) Greenberg, who discusses the musical elements of the pieces which in this case is played by the virtuoso performance of the Alexander String Quartet. Bob Greenberg's analysis of Mozart’s music may sometimes be overwhelming for a non-music major like me however, he is able to sustain my interest in his lecture through his creative writing, wit and candor. Bob has a vivid mind that helps the audience visualize the musical techniques used by Mozart. For example, in discussing one of the pieces, Bob likened the music’s movement to that of a somersaulting gymnast, complete with head and tail movements. Bob is a cool guy and he is passionate about music. I even think that he is a performance in himself. In any case, I still find that some of Bob's expert analysis of Mozart quite technical and at times even intimidating. Perhaps, one cannot do away with intimidation and technicality when dealing with the compositions of Mozart. That or perhaps it is only because of my limited understanding of music – I did follow the somersaulting gymnast though. Having said this, I still believe that the challenge in a successful arts education series is in bringing classical music to new audiences and at the same time engaging continuing audiences to a deeper musical appreciation. Bob's lecture is a good balance that addresses both new and continuing audiences. You should try it one of these days. It’s a good way to start appreciation of music in many levels.

This particular Sunday, Bob was a no show though. Apparently, his wife was giving birth. With Bob's absence, the Alexander string quartet read his 'script' instead. I've always admired the Alexander string quartet for their superb interpretation of classic chamber music. They play effortlessly yet their articulation is crisp and intense. On this show, they managed to both deliver Bob's script and render a charming musical show. Needless to say I loved their performance. I thought that their interpretation of the third movement of 'The Hunt' was amazing. It was an emotional experience for me. The show ended up at around ten in the evening. I thought it was a very nice way to end my weekend. My friend and I then went back to my place, had some tea and apple pie to cap the weekend.

This weekend reminds me of the reason I like music in general. I believe that no other art form can evoke as much emotion to its audience as music can. Whatever musical genre makes your heart tick, the bottom line is that it rocks your soul. Having said this, I believe that the beauty of exposing yourself to various musical genres is in the attempt of better understanding yourself. Try it one of these days and you’ll realize what I am trying to tell you.

I hope your weekend was half as good as mine. See you at the Mondavi!