Uncanny Mastery

When we went to see the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, I really didn't know what to expect. I obviously had heard of the Vienna Philharmonic, but never of this orchestra. What we saw and heard was nothing short of   incredible. When the conductor came out, set the score on the piano, but still gave the downbeat, I had no idea what would happen in the coming moments. I was not disappointed.

The first piece they played was the Mendelssohn Konzert für zwei Klavier und Orchestra  and I did not expect for the conductor to play after he gave the downbeat. Seeing him do so many different things (things I would struggle with individually) at the same time was surreal. he would cue someone, and then a beat later, he would go back to absolutely shredding the piano. There was one part where he was trolling with his right hand and conducting with his left, then stopped trilling, put down his glasses with his right hand, picked up a towel to wipe his face, put his glasses back on, ALL WHILE CONDUCTING. He didn't skip a beat the entire time. To hear this piece and how difficult is one thing, and it's another to know that someone performed one of the piano parts while conducting. However, it's really something special  to see a performer with such a mastery of the instrument, the baton, and a wealth of knowledge about the piece itself. One of the most impressive performances by an individual I've ever seen.