On Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 4:00 p.m., the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra performed the first movement of Suite No. 6 “Scenes de Feerie” by Jules Massenet. This was followed by all three movements of La Mer by Claude Debussy. The concert was performed at the First Presbyterian Church which made the concert very loud through some movements, especially Suite No. 6. This was due to the acoustics of the church. The music director even spoke of this because I think he and everyone else noticed it was extremely loud but said they would try to play a little softer. The orchestra was assembled with the stringed instruments in the front, brass in the back, percussions and harp on one side, and the double bass on the opposite side. The …show more content…
Suite No. 6 began extremely loud with trombones, obviously the most prominent instruments of the orchestra, which was very startling to me and a lot of other people because I noticed many of them flinching. The trombones opened the first few seconds, making it feel very dramatic and lively, then was followed by strings, then back to trombones for the first twenty seconds. This was followed by a softer tone with strings and wind instruments. The most intense part was when all instruments played in unison. It took a little bit to get used to the overwhelming sound, but once the acoustics softened, it was very enjoyable. The second piece, La Mer by Debussy was very enjoyable, peaceful, beautiful piece of music throughout all movements. None of the instruments stand out by themselves, each playing into each other with smooth transitions, with the harp being plucked throughout some sections. All movements were very subtle, easy to follow and harmonious. There weren’t any instruments that stood out over the other, making it easy on the senses, but having a complex sound at the same time. The whole piece by Debussy was evenly proportioned and