A reader named Bill sent us an e-mail today (Nov. 20) taking issue with a review in Sunday’s Eagle of the Wichita Symphony performance Saturday night. Chris Shull, the Eagle’s classical music critic the past eight years, wrote the review.
When readers contact us about symphony reviews, it’s often because they think Chris has been too hard on the symphony. In this case, however, the reader took issue with Chris for not being more critical of the orchestra’s performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Requiem."
The reader said: "The playing and singing of the ‘Requiem’ was bad. With the exception of the
tenor, the singers needed mics to be heard throughout the hall. Why in the
world, with all of the beautiful music that has been written and played over and
over, would one select such garbage? Did you see anyone jump up at the end of the
‘Requiem’ and yell ‘bravo?’ The applause told the story, the audience disliked the
music."
Chris agreed to write a response, partially in the hope that it will reveal to other readers how he approaches music criticism and what his own philosophy is about classical music coverage. Here is what Chris had to say:
"We agree, Billl — the concert was not always well played or sung on Saturday night. I’m sorry you thought I pulled punches; perhaps I did.
I did, however, say the ‘Requiem’ was ‘challenged in many places’ and that the chorus ‘was not always at ease navigating its contemporary melodies.’ I said the chorus ‘needed more aggressive presence and more pointed diction.’ This implied I like the performance?
"I would challenge your assertion that Lloyd Webber’s ‘Requiem’ is garbage. It holds moments of great beauty — listen to the Maazel recording with Domingo and Brightman, and you can hear the piece’s potential.
"I applaud conductor Andrew Sewell’s efforts to expand the repertoire the orchestra plays — similar efforts are ongoing at orchestras around the country. Sometimes new repertoire means the comfort levels of the performers are stretched along with that of the audience.
"A symphony orchestra should do more than just entertain. It should present music that can open hearts, touch souls and expand horizons. I agree the ‘Requiem’ did not always do that on Saturday night. But that does not mean the performance had no value, or that chances should not be taken with new pieces in the future.
"The orchestra provides a balance of the popular and the sublime throughout its seasons. I’ll always favor an attempt to achieve the sublime over popular entertainment that leaves the audience cheering." – Chris Shull
Do you have any suggestions for the Eagle about its classical music coverage, or any aspect of arts and entertainment in Wichita. Leave it here by clicking on ‘comment’ below.
– Lori Linenberger, features editor
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