And just like that, it's over

Today was the last day of finals. I don't know what to say. I'll probably write a more in-depth post when I'm on my way to Munich tomorrow. But, for now, all I have to say is that I'm really sad to say good bye to everyone and everything here.

And so it begins...

I just started going through school papers, random maps, ticket stubs, and pamphlets that I've accumulated throughout the semester. I can't throw them all away, that would be too sad. Instead, I've decided to sit and go through every single piece and choose what I want to keep and what I need to throw out. This has been the beginning of a tedious process and I don't want to do it. It's just making me even sadder about leaving. Although, it is nice to remember fun memories by going through all of this.

Time for bed, I have a final in the morning!

Gustavo Dudamel und der Wiener Philharmoniker

I just wrote a paper about my time at the Musikverein to see Gustavo Dudamel conduct the Vienna Philharmonic. I decided that it would be a good idea to just copy and paste it here, so you can all read about my experience! Also, I feel like I should have done this earlier...I've had to write 4 papers about concerts I've been to for this class and I don't know why I never thought of just posting them all up here. Oh well, whatevs. Here's this one, enjoy!:

(Also, ignore the random citations...)

Being a Los Angeles native, when I found out that Gustavo Dudamel was going to be in Vienna to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic, I knew I had to attend the concert. The concert took place on Saturday, 10 December 2011 in the Großer Saal of the Musikverein at 3:30 pm. In addition to Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, the program also named a solo Clarinetist: Matthias Schorn. The program was comprised of three pieces and lasted for a total of two hours. The pieces performed included “Don Juan” Op. 20 by Richard Strauss, a clarinet concerto “Ego eimi” / ”Ich bin” from the cycle “Montafon” by Herbert Willi, and Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56 (“Scottish”) by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.

            Having purchased standing room tickets, I arrived at the Musikverein quite early to claim my spot. Unfortunately, they do not open the doors until one hour before the concert begins, so I was forced to stand outside for about an hour before finally being let into the warm building. While waiting outside, I met a woman from Germany who comes to Vienna dozens of times every year to simply watch operas, go to concerts, and enjoy the Viennese culture. Since I had never been to the Musikverein before, she told me a little bit about the process of standing room there. It was also beneficial that other IES students who had been to the Musikverein before were there, too. When we were let inside and upstairs, right outside the standing room, I was prepared for the mad dash to find a good spot. The bell rang and everyone ran to claim his or her spot. Luckily, I was able to stand right in front, near the center, and had a perfect view of the stage.

            The Musikverein is a beautiful building that is covered with gold decorations and statues. I was intrigued by the set up of the stage, as I had never seen one that had different levels for the orchestra rows – it was like stadium seating on the stage. However, this arrangement makes sense, considering the audience seats are completely flat instead of stadium-style. I also think it makes it easier for the audience to really watch the musicians play their instruments. As 3:30 neared, we all waited anxiously until the concert finally began.

            The musicians walked out and were greeted with a generous applause. When Gustavo Dudamel walked onto the stage, the audience’s applause grew slightly louder and the concert began with Strauss’ “Don Juan,” Op. 20. One of my favorite things to observe about Dudamel when he conducts is his hair. At the beginning of every concert, he walks out with his hair neatly slicked back and out of his face. However, throughout the performance, it swiftly falls out of place and his curly hair becomes more visible. Dudamel conducts with a unique level of energy and passion that I have not seen in other conductors. He never stands still, with both feet planted into the ground, for more than a second – if that. He is constantly bouncing around, swaying, and moving with the music. It is through his large, sweeping movements that one can tell how passionate Dudamel is about the music he conducts.

            The first piece was beautifully done and the musicians prepared for the second piece: the clarinet concerto “Ego eimi” / “Ich bin” from the cycle “Montafon” by Herbert Willi. Willi is a contemporary Austrian composer who was born in 1956 (“Herbert Willi”). He has won numerous awards and competitions and has traveled all over the world to perform and conduct music. Willi composed this clarinet concerto, which was commissioned by the Salzburg Festival, to mark Mozart’s 250^th birthday in 2006. The clarinet concerto is the third part of his cycle “Montafon,” which comprises the Concerto for trumpet and orchestra “Eirene” and the Double Concerto for flute, oboe, and orchestra “…geraume Zeit…” (“Work of the Week”). This was my favorite piece of the afternoon. The concerto is comprised of calmer, slow movements as well as rich and virtuosic clarinet solos. There are several moments throughout the piece in which an almost jazz-like theme emerges with a great percussion part. Having been the principal clarinetist of the Vienna Philharmonic since 2007, this was Matthias Schorn’s debut as a soloist with the Vienna Philhamarmonic; he had an amazing performance (“Matthias Schorn”). At the end of the piece, the audience applauded loudly – even more so when Herbert Willi, himself, walked on stage from the audience. I felt very honored to have seen this piece performed with the composer sitting in the same room.

            After a short intermission, we all returned to our spots to enjoy the last piece of the concert: Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56 by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Although I love watching Dudamel conduct and I think the Vienna Philharmonic is an amazing orchestra, this was my least favorite piece. It may have had to do with the piece’s length, combined with the fact that I had already been standing for about an hour, but I just did not enjoy this piece as much as I enjoyed the first two – especially the clarinet concerto. However, I did still like the second half of the concert and loved every second of being at the Musikverein.

            When the concert came to a close, the performers received a standing ovation from the audience and the applause lasted for a very long time. The audience began to dissipate and I decided to explore more of the Musikverein. As I was walking down a hallway that ran along the left-hand side of the Großer Saal, I noticed that there was a small group of people gathered around the side stage door at the end of the hall. As I got closer, I realized why they were there: Gustavo Dudamel was right there, signing autographs, taking pictures, and talking with them. Obviously, I immediately freaked out and managed to squeeze my way right next to him. After waiting my turn, I was able to get Dudamel’s autograph and take a picture with him. I also told him that I am from Los Angeles and have seen him conduct at the Hollywood Bowl before. I was definitely a bit star-struck after our interaction and I left the Musikverein with a huge smile on my face. This may have been my favorite performance that I have seen in Vienna all semester and it might have something to do with the fact that I got to meet Gustavo Dudamel. The Vienna Philharmonic gave an amazing performance and I am very glad that I was able to see them before leaving Vienna.

ME AND GUSTAVO DUDAMEL

Der Musikverein

Post-College Plans?

Today, I decided that I'm going to apply to be a Student Assistant with my study abroad program in Vienna after I graduate from college. I spoke with one of the staff members about it and our talk made me excited for it. Since the date of my return to the United States is quickly approaching, I've realized how much I'm going to miss being in Vienna. This has been an amazing experience. I've had my ups and my downs, but it was worth it all in the end. I couldn't have imagined going through four years of college and not studying abroad. I am so glad that I did this. I'm going to miss this so much. Going back to the United States (back to real school) is going to be weird; it'll take some getting used to.
I really really want to come back here, so why not?! I kind of can't wait until I can finally apply for the position...but, I have to wait another year until I can do that. Wow, I can't believe I'm half way done with my junior year. I graduate in 1.5 years!
Okay, this post needs to end now, I'm thinking about too many things and freaking myself out haha


Now, back to studying for finals and writing more papers! YAY

Wait, my program ends in FIVE days?!

Tonight, my class went to our German teacher’s house in Baden and had a Christmas party/end-of-the-semester celebration. I loved it and it made me want to cry because I realized how much I’m going to miss Vienna, my teachers, and the friends I have made here.
I'll write more later, but now I have to write a paper that I've put off for weeks...good life choices.

Es tut mir leid

I've just given up on writing about Venice and Prague. Sorry, but this semester is flying by and I just don't have much time to write these in-depth posts about what I did on all my trips anymore! I'm also losing steam on writing everything in this blog. So, I'm sorry about that. Instead, I'm just gonna share some fantastic pictures with you all! So, here they are: My trip to Venice in pictures.

It was really foggy when we first got in on Saturday morning

Sneaking illegal pictures in Cathedrals!

The Rialto Markets were beautiful!

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Gondolas!! We didn't go on one, but it's pretty cool seeing them throughout Venice

Our vaporetto ride to the islands of Murano and Burano - it's like a water bus

Venetian masks on Burano

I fell in love with Venice. It was a beautiful place and I could feel the Italian culture seeping out of every corner. I really want to explore more of Italy at some point. It's such a beautiful country and I just love how I felt being there. I was a feeling I could get used to, almost like I could spend some time living there. Did I just say that?! Damn.