Yesterday saw the Cape Town Philharmonic orchestra perform under the conductor Ben Zander. A rather glum faced group without shining eyes looked a bit as if they had heard it all before, as Zander ran a commentary on clasical music using the orchestra to demonstrate his point. The music however spoke more than the faces. Playing Beethoven’s 5th Zander brought in parts of the orchestra in stages, each one a voice he asked the audience to hold on to. First the Cellos, then the double bass, then the violas, the bassoon, the clarinet, and the violins. Seven distinct instruments or voices deomposed and then together. Final rehearsal for Beethoven’s 9th on Wednesday night at the City hall. Should be worth it.
