Recent school-related repertoire projects have taught me all about the importance of great programming, for both the performers and the audience.
Here is an example of amazing programming:
Beethoven's Violin Concerto
Intermission
Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique
Yes, this was last night's Cleveland Orchestra concert.
This is why it is amazing:
1. It is simple-two works of about the same length makes for an even concert; 2. It is not too long-although I could listen to Cleveland forever, after a while the seat gets uncomfortable. This is about an hour-and-a-half, which is a perfect amount of time for attentiveness and comfort; 3. It has historical links-sometimes it is great to program very contrasting pieces, but these are two examples of early romantic writing. Your ear appreciates this; 4. Beethoven influenced Berlioz. The program notes write themselves.; 5. These compositions balance PERFECTLY-light and elegant vs. heavy and insane.
If only I could program 45/50 minute long works for fifth grade band.
