Conductor's Workshop - Day 3

Today seemed more easygoing - and that is a good thing since the first two days were so intense. Our morning was spent with the choreographers who created the dance for the Requiem. We began with the first movement: they asked us to stand up and do the choreography with them - it is a daunting task to stand next to professional dancers, who move with such agility and grace, and follow/copy their movements. Frankly, I felt a bit of an ass, but the room, as usual, was filled with a fun, gentle, and positive spirit - so I felt more comfortable than I normally do when making a fool of myself - and I suppose that is a good thing.

Once that movement was over, they kindly allowed us to sit and talk through the other movements, showing us film of their recent performances. This was actually the first time I have sat and watched a complete production and I continue to be amazed by the work. (Certainly the audience in the video felt similarly, as evidenced by their reaction at the end of the performance.)

Again, I must compliment Peter's abilities as a composer. It must have been a difficult task to compose a work about poverty that is universal and approachable, yet reflects the music of countries where poverty is more keenly felt. Additionally, the work is complicated, with parts for four different choirs, two soloists and at least 3 percussionists. With all those forces, a lot can go wrong, and it could easily go beyond the abilities of amateur singers, but Peter has written the piece in such a way that if something goes off track during a performance, there are compositional 'anchors' that enable everyone to come together again. And the music remains entirely doable by choirs with even the least amount of experience. Despite how difficult and complicated it might sound, the structure is clear and well laid out - everything really works together. Peter's true gift is that he met all of the challenges and created a powerful musical experience out of this - a pretty great accomplishment for any composer.

In the afternoon we did a final run of the work, with each movement led by a different conductor. It was certainly wonderful to see everyone in action - to see similarities and differences in approach and technique...but what was evident in everyone was a love for the work and a passionate desire to make it speak to the performers and audience alike. I am quite sure that Peter feels his work is in good hands - and now we need to go out with what we learned and allow the music to teach and inspire.