AUBURN - The audience and the orchestra made room for a third party at the Auburn Holiday Pops concert Monday night.
Joining them in the Auburn High School auditorium, was the spirit of Christmas. It was there in the sweeping emotion of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra “Holiday Medley,” when the music was as full as a home of family members on Christmas Eve. It was there when songs touched sentimental threads, with the string section playing alone before rescuing any bittersweet feelings at just the right moment, with the power of the entire ensemble.
In particular, it appeared as the “Little Drummer Boy” marched forward with a steady cadence of drums and strings, then the light calling, like the throwing of peppermint candy, of the brass section. The woodwinds then joined in the journey, while the horns went counterpoint, building up to a thoroughly enjoyable arrangement, finalized by the thrill of the entire orchestra.
But while this was happening, what kind of stuff was going on in the minds of the musicians? What do they think about the carols they lavish every yuletide season? Does the spirit of Christmas carry what would, in any other sensibility, be considered a pedestrian tune?
“I think all the associations and emotions of this time of year are really a part of the music,” said Jeremy Mastrangelo, violinist, and associate concert master of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (SSO). “The two are intertwined - there's certainly some in both - the two go together as the whole. There's the Christmas spirit, there's that energy, that the music helps to nurture. So ultimately, the two reciprocate.”
With 12 holiday concerts scheduled, Mastrangelo explained he avoids repetition in playing many of the carols by looking at musical phrases differently from night to night. Equally important as a musician, he said, is finding inspiration from - the holiday spirit.
“It certainly can help. There are certain pieces that may be more reflective in nature and, while playing, I am remembering things from my past (Christmases),” he said. “But I don't know if it's unique. You only hear Christmas music during the holiday. It may not have as much impact in July. The two may go hand in hand.”
Nevertheless, that emotion was prevalent during the Holiday Pops concert, a Auburn tradition that began more than 30 years ago. The audience sat rapt during the performance, which was programmed to include a sing-along.
Also, in honor of Auburn High School capturing the state football championship, coach Dave Moskov was invited to conduct the symphony's rendition of “Sleigh Ride.”
As a veteran attendee of the Auburn Holiday Pops annual concerts, Joan Ringwood, of Auburn, summed up the event concisely:
“It's a joyful evening,” she said.
In particular, it appeared as the “Little Drummer Boy” marched forward with a steady cadence of drums and strings, then the light calling, like the throwing of peppermint candy, of the brass section. The woodwinds then joined in the journey, while the horns went counterpoint, building up to a thoroughly enjoyable arrangement, finalized by the thrill of the entire orchestra.
But while this was happening, what kind of stuff was going on in the minds of the musicians? What do they think about the carols they lavish every yuletide season? Does the spirit of Christmas carry what would, in any other sensibility, be considered a pedestrian tune?
“I think all the associations and emotions of this time of year are really a part of the music,” said Jeremy Mastrangelo, violinist, and associate concert master of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (SSO). “The two are intertwined - there's certainly some in both - the two go together as the whole. There's the Christmas spirit, there's that energy, that the music helps to nurture. So ultimately, the two reciprocate.”
With 12 holiday concerts scheduled, Mastrangelo explained he avoids repetition in playing many of the carols by looking at musical phrases differently from night to night. Equally important as a musician, he said, is finding inspiration from - the holiday spirit.
“It certainly can help. There are certain pieces that may be more reflective in nature and, while playing, I am remembering things from my past (Christmases),” he said. “But I don't know if it's unique. You only hear Christmas music during the holiday. It may not have as much impact in July. The two may go hand in hand.”
Nevertheless, that emotion was prevalent during the Holiday Pops concert, a Auburn tradition that began more than 30 years ago. The audience sat rapt during the performance, which was programmed to include a sing-along.
Also, in honor of Auburn High School capturing the state football championship, coach Dave Moskov was invited to conduct the symphony's rendition of “Sleigh Ride.”
As a veteran attendee of the Auburn Holiday Pops annual concerts, Joan Ringwood, of Auburn, summed up the event concisely:
“It's a joyful evening,” she said.
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