My first experience at Carneige Hall was definitely something I will keep in my memory. The Chinese inspired music still flows in my ears. Viewing the five pieces that composed the program we saw that night reminded me of one thing: the cinema. As we discussed in class, I felt I was viewing a horror film throughout most of the program. It began with the first piece. The gentleman walked out on stage, smiling, and sat down in his seat. Then all of a sudden, as if someone shouted "Action!," he completely transformed into character.

As I am not musically literate, I find that it is hard to articulate what I enjoyed about Monday’s concert. My father is a great fan of classical music. I grew up listening to it and attending concerts. I have also worked with Orchestras in various performances I was featured in. To preface this, I used to take singing very seriously. I trained with professional vocal coaches and enjoyed practicing. Yet, I never took the time to seriously learn to read music.

After class a couple of us went with Professor Bergman to see the big auditorium at Carnegie Hall. As soon as I walked in I was amazed. The stage alone was unbelievably beautiful. The emptiness of the stage, except for a grand piano was very inspiring. I felt an urge to run up and just in the middle and take it all in! Of course I didn't, but it was still exciting. Looking out at the seats was also intimidating since there were so many; over 2000 I believe.

   In class, we were discussing the differences between an auditorium experience and a small hall performance. Though each carries its own advantages, I feel that the small hall, at least in a symphony concert, far outweighs the benefits of an auditorium. For the most part, the auditorium only has to offer as a major advantage the grandness of its room. Such a large space so eleoquently decorated is not something one can feast their eyes on at any given time. However, the small hall I felt is equally as beautiful in an intimate way.

   The fourth performance composed by Guo Wenjing was definitely an unexpected type of musical piece. Though the compostion did not rank best against my own ratings, it surely had unique features. To begin, each musician held in each hand two wooden rods. The fact that they were capable of controling each hand, and even more amazing each individual rod and sending them out in different directions simultaneously was clearly a dominated skill. Hence, just visually watching their hand work served as a treat.