From composer David Balakrishnan

The following was posted as a comment to the Gypsy Kings entry, but it was so cool to hear from the composer of one of the pieces performed on Friday night I wanted to put this up here where it was easy to spot. Thanks David for the insights!

I am not sure if it is kosher for me to post on this thread being that I am one of the composers, but technically speaking, I was in the audience, so I'm having a go at it. Sitting in the audience, especially during the performance of my piece, was not an easy thing to go through. I literally felt helpless...

Of course like everyone else I was enthralled with Gilles' playing, and blown away by the performances that followed. Then, when the second half started with my piece, my heart was in my throat, so much anticipation and hope and fear, felt like I wasn't going to be able to stand it. It is still quite a new experience for me to not be involved in the performance, and so when I am playing I guess I have some sort of maybe misguided idea that no matter what happens I can find a way to salvage the situation, but in this case--not possible. I had no choice but to leave it in the hands of Paul, Gilles and the orchestra. And to be totally honest, there were aspects of the performance that didn't match my expectations of what I wanted to hear, what I had intended as a composer. But then, lo and behold, there were other aspects that really worked in ways that I could never have envisioned myself, and which I would probably not have been able to let happen if I was playing. So in the end, I am very happy (and relieved!) to add my complete agreement to how beautifully all the musicians performed, and also regarding the particular musicians singled out for their outstanding playing, they truly deserve the acknowledgment. I am so very grateful and honored to have been a part of this, and, more than ever, acutely aware of how much I have to learn regarding the art of composition!

David B.

Comments

[Jean]

I attended the preconcert talk with Conductor Gambrill and Paul Balakrishnan. Their comments re the development of Trishula made the music even more exciting. I particularly found Paul's comments about his own background, the instrumental techniques used in the piece and his own philosophy as expressed in the music helpful in listening to and understanding the piece. I loved the entire concert.

[Anne Knauff]

I always think each NCO concert is "THE best," and I'm always wrong. The next one is delightful and exciting in all new ways.

The "Gypsy Nights" concert was wonderful from start to finish. It was magical to hear Gilles Apap playing off-stage to start "Gypsy Airs." I found myself looking around the hall to see where the music was coming from. He was a strong and entertaining presence on the stage throughout the concert. After hearing his mesmerizing solos and watching his animated performance, I really got a chuckle out of his joining the back row of violinists to play other pieces with the orchestra, even assuming the role of page-turner.

I wondered about Gilles Apap. I wasn't familiar with him or his work. (This is one of the other wonderful things about NCO. I've been a fan of chamber and classical music for more than 40 years. I learn something new at every NCO concert.) His profile in the program mentioned French and Bulgarian connections. He looked and moved the part of a Gypsy Nights musician. When I got home, still energized from the evening, I got on the Web and looked up his page. It was as entertaining as he was! Let me warn you: There is a picture of Gilles sitting in a kind of yoga posture. When you click on "Bio," don't be surprised to see where the red "chakra" light illuminates! What a character -- so much talent, stage-presence, and a sense of humor, too.

Thanks to John Jorgenson for his usual guitar dazzling performance.

Thanks to Laurence Kaptain for teaching us how a cimbalom sounds -- reminiscent of a hammered dulcimer.

Thanks for Paul Gambill and the NCO for putting it all together for us.