Und meine Seele spannte

Week 2 in Luzern is coming to a close, and I'm happy to report I'm feeling more comfortable in my surroundings.

The last few days have included a lot of socializing and work in a generally rainy town - though, I did get take a long Spaziergang along the north side of the lake on Wednesday evening (it was VERY windy...but the swans and various duck types didn't seem to mind). Otherwise, I've had some lovely evenings out with some of the singers here - a stand-up bunch. A few days ago, it was beautiful out, and some of us went paddleboating on the lake - so lovely!  Otherwise, rehearsals are now complete prior to working with Sir Simon Rattle. . .we'll meet him on Monday, I believe (or perhaps tomorrow? We are often unsure what's going on other than we must show up places at certain times...)  My anticipation mounts.


In other news, last night was the opening concert of the Lucerne Festival, which began with a memoriam of Claudio Abbado. Though the remarks were in German, I did catch the part where he quoted what may be one of my FAVORITE poems - Eichendorff's "Mondnacht":
Und meine Seele spannte
Weit ihre Flügel aus
Flog durch die stillen Lande
Als flöge sie nach Haus.

(...and my soul spread
its wings out broadly
Flying over the quiet land
as if flying home).

It was the first time I teared up for the evening. Two other speakers followed him (one of whom was very important, as he had a caped/hatted guard with him ON STAGE, and a gentleman who was speaking very enthusiastically about the power of Music). After this and a pause, the evening continued with Andris Nelsons my new favorite everything conducting an all-Brahms program.
Our seats were in the Orgelempore, so I got to watch the orchestra from behind (and see all the marvelous gestures, faces, and movements the Maestro made...which were plentiful and delightful).
After the opening Serenade, Sara Mingardo sang the Alto Rhapsody, which prompted cry #2 for the night - the men's chorus is like a mystical, comforting hand on one's shoulder.
I had utterly forgotten that Brahms' Second Symphony was one of my old favorite works in undergrad - and when it began, so did the waterworks up in the organ loft. I was just a mess. Nelsons seemed to be having just the best time, and the orchestra seemed overjoyed to follow him (it is a magnificent ensemble).



Random notes - Barbara Hannigan who is everything amazing and good stopped by rehearsal the other day and introduced herself. I cannot WAIT for tonight's concert where she'll perform a signature piece, the Ligeti Mysteries of the Macabre...I'm off to purchase a ticket jetzt.