Genius in Action - Maestro Dingwall Fleary Prepares The McLean Symphony and the McLean Symphony Festival Singers for June 2 Concert Featuring Beethoven's "Ode to Joy"
It was 9PM last night. Maestro Fleary was coaching the combined group of musicians (from The McLean Symphony) and vocalists (from the McLean Symphony Festival Singers) through Beethoven's difficult, demanding, and exultant Choral Finale to his Ninth Symphony, including the much-loved "Ode to Joy." He was giving it his all. They were giving it their all. Not too surprising, you might say.
But Maestro Fleary had been up since 4:15 AM. And his musicians and vocalists were coming in after long days as government contractors, dentists, and other fully-demanding day jobs.
Both The McLean Symphony orchestra members and the McLean Symphony Festival Singers, under the direction of Felicia Kessel Crawley are volunteers. Not a one of them is getting paid to do this. And to put in a 2 1/2 hour rehearsal - on top of their own personal practice time - on top of their day jobs, family life, and social and religious commitments - is impressive. And to take on one of the most challenging works in the world of classical music is just sort of amazing. Absolutely awesome.
And they were pulling it together.
I had heard them the previous week. They had the "notes" down - but it was not yet anything like the performances that you or I hear when we listen to the "Ode to Joy" on the radio or on a CD. Now, though, it's coming together.
Last night, Maestro Fleary was pulling together the "magic." It was in the shaping of the notes. The way the instrumentals came in. The percussive effect of the vocalists - but still rounded, still "warm." The "magic" was beginning to emerge. It was in all those little details - details that you and I cannot imagine, unless we've been "behind the scenes" during consecutive rehearsals.
And this is why they come to rehearse, after day jobs that may provide moments of satisfaction, a sense of contribution, but not always that true uplift of the spirit.
I could see it as they were dismissed, and began packing their instruments, music, and stands to go home. Tired, but exuberant. Weary, but exultant.
And this morning, as I went for my early-AM walk, I was in a much better place than I was before I'd stopped by their rehearsal last night. The "Ode to Joy" infusion was having its effect. Still raw. Still needing a lot of work. Still needing the soloists, who won't join us until the concert weekend itself. But already, the pure, live, soul-moving power of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" had lifted me to a calmer and happier place. I was more refreshed, optimistic, and truly in a "joyous" state.
To get a taste of what you'll hear on Saturday, June 2, 7:30 PM at the Langley High School Auditorium, listen to Ode to Joy on YouTube. And anticipate how much you will personally be exulted when you hear it performed live, on June 2nd, 2012!
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