Review: SLSO’s performance of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone October 3
–by Tom Schmidt
Magical. I feel the need to make a mention about seeing the renovations and additions to Powell Hall in St. Louis Friday before I get to the review of the concert itself. This was my first time being back to Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center since they reopened. The newly constructed entrance on the south side of the original building is very modern looking addition.
After winding through the rope barrier, I entered what once was the back of the old ticket booth where the seating area was different on the floor. There were steps down to get to my seat and I immediately noticed that the seats are less cramped and more comfortable. Roughly 500 seats were lost in the renovation to give the audience more space. Some aesthetics were kept as the new carpeting kept the feet of the old luxurious velvet carpet. I did not go up to the balcony to see the changes in that area, however.
Magical and enchanting. These are the two words to describe the music itself. The music of John Williams featured in the movie “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is an extraordinary score on its own. Put it in the movie, and, better yet, hear it live right in front of you, and you are whisked away into an enchanted world.
Justin Freer was the conductor, holding the massive orchestra together with precise perfection with the movie is an astounding feat in and of itself. Even with a computer screen in front of him to guide him through entrances and tempo, it is still a monumental task. The orchestra still must blend and balance the different sections of the orchestra with each other. Maestro Freer did just that. In addition to the large string sections along with woodwind, brass, and percussion, there were other instruments that are not always present in every symphony concert. These include piano, harp, celeste, xylophone, bells (glockenspiel), tubular bells, and a rachet.
Of course, you couldn’t have Hedwig’s theme without the celeste. As well, Fluffy’s theme couldn’t be performed without a harp, since a harp was shown on screen playing itself to soothe the three-headed dog Fluffy to sleep. There were times when the music was magical and whimsical and light. There were other times when it was spooky, and terrifying brought about by dissonance in the lower strings. There were times when I found myself taking the grand score and the live music for granted as it was hard sometimes to remember the music wasn’t coming through the speakers with the rest of the soundtrack. In the end, I did not notice anyone leaving, like what might ordinarily be done in a movie theater while the credits were rolling. The audience seemed to genuinely enjoy listening to a recap and review of all the leitmotifs in the movie once more.
From the entrance into the newly renovated Powell Hall to the last note, this certainly was a magical and enchanting evening. It was not difficult to be swept away into a different world, even if it was for three hours!
Editor’s note: due to restrictions laid out by Harry Potter images and likenesses are restricted, thereby making these images appear less Harry Potterish.