Movement and Music: University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun

Conceived by James Ross
Movement Design by Liz Lerman

On May 4, 2012, the UMD Symphony Orchestra (UMSO) performed Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun" from memory, with movement design by choreographer Liz Lerman.

Movement is an inherent element of music-making; yet, its impact goes largely unexplored in the orchestral setting. UMSO's performance of "Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun" explores the connection between movement and music, specifically, how that connection facilitates communication and a colorful, nuanced performance.

The choreography in this performance reflects the moods and imagery associated with Debussy's work: the sensory experiences of a faun as he awakens from an afternoon nap.

REVIEWS
Anne Midgette, the Washington Post:
"UMD Symphony Orchestra gets out of its chairs, giving music a visual life" http://ow.ly/bdLsG
"You Be the Critic" http://ow.ly/bdLky


Greg Sandow, The Future of Classical Music blog
"Breathtaking" http://ow.ly/bdM62
"Video of that magical faun" http://ow.ly/bdLRr


Video recorded and edited by Christian Amonson, Artslaureate: www.artslaureate.com
Audio recorded and mastered by Antonino d'Urzo, Opusrite™

• Category

  Music

[fergcurrie]

I'm not easy with calling someone a liar. Perhaps there was an amount of 'live' performance involved here perhaps they are the new BPO but I know how much it takes to get a first class pro orchestra to sound that good while they're sitting still. Could this be half and half?

It will take a lot of convincing....

[TerpsMusic]

Hi fergcurrie,

Reviews from the Washington Post and arts blogger Greg Sandow verify the truth: the video you're watching and sounds you're hearing are from the live performance. To read these reviews, please refer to the description under the video.

[Jason Ethridge]

For the record, as the conductor of the piece, I can assure you that the music was performed from memory unlike what a few people are suggesting (there were also hundreds in the audience). The players did an amazing job and I was so impressed by their work and dedication to the project. One thing also to their credit is that many of the movement ideas and configurations were a result of their creativity during the rehearsal process. It was such a rewarding experience.

Jason William Ethridge

[sumimimi0]

STOP COUGHING OHMYGOODNESS. WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE!

[Berginald Rash]

Bravi Tutti!

[Américo Ramos Samissomar]

One Of My Favorite Composers And Work...Outstanding Performance Soundscapings !...*****Cosmic Stars !...

[Haya Cohen-Matsumoto]

I like the guy spinning his bass at 6:50!

[radiokid2]

Beautiful...it solves the problem in our visual age of having black clad players just sitting around and playing.

[JerzyDude732]

Fantastic!

[Ihitthings3]

Wow. Taking the visual component of marching or drum corp and adding it to the beauty of a symphonic group...brilliant. Beautifully played and wonderfully choreographed.

[Malvin Vice]

This was performed with the passion that Debussy had when he composed the piece! Outstanding!!!!!

[violingurl8990]

we did, it might not show in the video

[Edward Castro]

incredible, performance.