Friday night I attended a free performance of Stravinski's "Rite of Spring" at rice. I had never seen a symphony in person before, although the experience surpassed even the expectations I never got around to thinking of.

My seat was behind the symphony (above the percussion to be exact). This coupled with the fact that I was extremely familiar with the piece really gave me the feeling that I was a part of the symphony. I moved when it moved.

In a very visceral way I understood the role that the conductor plays in symphonies. From my vantage point "above" the symphony, there were times I found myself absorbed in the conductor's maniacal dance. He literally contained the entire cadence of the piece. He was the pin point. The direction.

I also noticed for the first time the reason the orchestra was laid out the way it was. The piano was front and center (of course it would be, it's the lead instrument). Around the "epicenter" was a "basket" of violins (who are by far the most numerous of players). As you get further out the instruments get far bassier. Cellos, french horns, bassoons, and then basses and percussion. And of course in the very back, right in the middle, the brass. I noticed for the first time the way that the entire symphony playing together fill all the possible sound ranges.

A really cool experience that I was very happy to be a part of! I want to see/hear more!