Cultural Activity: Music

1.      What musical event did you attend?

I went and saw the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square, Salt Lake City.

2.      Give a summary or description of the works you heard.

The blend of singing and musical instruments was beautiful. It had a light sound that was so harmonious and delightful. It was happy and uplifting music, even if it was a lot about Jesus and stuff. The choir itself was really refreshing. It was nice to hear people who can actually sing and sound beautiful over the high school and jr.  high performances. In the orchestra there were a lot of instruments. They had a harp that sounded so pretty and a flute that gave it a mischievous sound. It was also the first time I have seen an organ in real life. Even the lyrics were somewhat attractive. They were songs about god of course and they were just nice like all the children gathered around god to hear all of his wisdom. It just painted a good picture in the head, you know? The music was really calming and peaceful and it made it easier to listen to and enjoy.

3.      Would you say that this was a poor/fair/good/high quality performance? Why? Justify your answer. Did you notice any mistakes or other problems that detracted from the performance?

I think I would consider this a good to high quality performance because the quality of the music was fantastic and it was a very professional setting. Like I already mentioned, it was harmonious and sounded really well put together. As for the professional setting, all of the ushers were dressed in their Sunday best and they were really nice and helpful and showed us exactly where to go and they helped put order to the crowd. I personally didn’t notice any mistakes in the performance but I also don’t have a very hypocritical ear for music. According to the conductor, there were a few mistakes. He wanted them to open there mouth more for a more rounded sound and he wasn’t pleased with the pitches that the choir was hitting at some points but I thought they sounded fantastic. I guess there is a reason why I’m not the conductor and he is.

4.      What did you find out about the background of the works, composers, artists, or others connected with this production?

I learned that there are 360 members of the Tabernacle Choir and they are all different but are together based on their faith and their love for singing.  The ages in the choir range from 25 to 60 years old. The choir has appeared in 13 world fairs and events. They have also performed at the inaugurations of five US presidents. They also sing for worldwide telecasts and special events. The recordings of the Choir have reached gold record status, five of them, and two of them have reached platinum record status.  Important people are Mac Christensen, choir president, Mack Wilberg, music director, Ryan Murphy, associate music director, Igor Gruppman, conductor of orchestra, LeAnna Willmore, conductor of bells, Larry Smith, associate conductor of bells, Lloyd Newell, announcer, Richard Elliot, organist, Scott Barrick, general manager, and Barry Anderson, administrative manager.

5.      What was your personal reaction to this performance?

My personal reaction to this performance was that at first I was worried that I was in Temple Square and I felt really out of place. I was worried that we had to look nice and talk to people about our faith and religion and stuff but I was pleased that I wasn’t asked any questions by the obviously religious people. Then when we finally entered the silver topped dome and I calmed down a little bit.  There weren’t many people there so me and my friend could stick to ourselves. Overall, I didn’t really want to see the Tabernacle because of the religious connection but I was pleased that they were very pleasant to listen to. I ended up really liking the performance because it was so nice on the ears. I was excited to hear something so professional and skillful. It was so nice to listen to in fact that I started to get very sleepy and I think I started nodding off. It was like being in sleeping beauty when the fairies make the kingdom sleep. It was some sort of magical reaction that I couldn’t ignore. As I mentioned before, the harp was a nice surprise that I hadn’t expected. I have been in love with harp music since Ari played it in junior high. To be honest, I couldn’t really make out a lot of the lyrics, but I caught the general drift of it. But that was something that was annoying. I feel like when there is a lot of people singing at once it is harder to know what they are saying over a single voice. My friend and I had a conversation about the lyrics to decipher them and towards the end we would always come to an agreement about what they were. I thought it was beautiful but maybe the lyrics could have been easier to hear. I was relaxed and calm when we left.

6.      Would you recommend this performance or musical group to others? Why or why not?

I think I would recommend this to others just because it was a high quality sounding performance but I think I would only recommend it to people who have already seen the choir or believed in it because if I were to recommend it to others that weren’t religious I feel like I would get a lot of negative feedback. I feel that way just because of people who have closed minds that wouldn’t accept the beauty of the choir over their religious affiliation.  I would recommend this to someone if I knew they could appreciate it over judge it.

7.      Would you enjoy attending this type of event again? Why or why not?

I would enjoy attending a type of event like this again just in a different context. For example, I would love to see another musical performance if it wasn’t in Temple Square and if the songs were directed to something else. Like I said, it was really nice on the ears but I felt out of place. It definitely wasn’t my scene so if it was a little more relaxed I would have enjoyed it more I think. It helps that I consider myself one that can see the beauty in things so I could look past the Mormons but there are always bigger and better things out there.