We made it to the concert last night. My first impression was that the theater was really nice. I was only built 2-3 years ago and certainly looks modern, state of the art, and beautiful. On to the music though....
First impression of the music is that it was not as loud as I was expecting. Granted, I was sitting in the 4th row center of the top tier, but I still was expecting louder....too many rock concerts I guess
First piece was the Wagner that I had been wanting to hear. I really liked that one. It was great to be able to hear a piece I liked so much being played live. I had a big grin on my face the whole time.
Things slowed down after that. Strauss Last four songs was next. My biggest complaint here was that Renee Fleming, the soprano doing the singing, wasn't loud enough. It seemed like she was the background and the insturments were the focus, instead of vice versa. It's possible that it is supposed to be this way and I'm just used to the voice being more prominent, but I didn't think so. One of you classical guys can chime in on that.
Anyway, I like this part the least out of the show. Just to soft and quiet for me without the changes between fast and slow that I like.
Last was Dvorak's 8th. I wasn't familiar with this one going in. I liked to first part of it the best. The other movements weren't bad, but by the end I think I had just had enough, was getting tired, and was ready to call it a night. Being up late the night before to watch the Eagles probably didn't help.
Overall I was glad I went and got to see it once, but it is not something I am going to be in any hurry to go back and do. Especially at $68 a piece for the cheap seats. They had a dinner for the "rich attendees" before the show since it was opening night. Prices for the dinner started at $15,000 per table!