A Magical Musical Evening Hosted by InterContinental Pattaya Resort
By Gloria Jones
Before I start reviewing the fantastic evening’s entertainment provided by InterContinental Pattaya Resort I must firstly explain my love of Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”. One of the most recognisable pieces of classical music, it is known to many because of its use by numerous TV shows and films (usually the Spring Allegro section ). However, this iconic work has so much more to enjoy for as the name suggests there are four seasons and four violin concertos each one with 3 sections Allegro (Slow), Adagio (Fast) and Presto (Very Fast).
In Spring, the mood is bright and lively with a sense of a renewal and joyful beginning.Summer is more intense with an almost heavy, oppressive atmosphere that builds into a dramatic thunderstorm. Autumn celebrates the harvest season with dancing, drinking and hunting. . Finally, Winter portrays cold, icy winds, against the comfort of sitting in by a fire. What makes this work especially remarkable is its vivid use of musical imagery, often considered an early example of program music, i.e.music that tells a story or paints a scene.
My favourite is actually Summer,although I love all the concertos, but in Summer the 3 movements build so well that in its final “Presto” movement the musicians are really “motoring” and believe me when it’s played well it will make the hairs on the back of your arm stand up.So for me the absolutely best way to enjoy Vivaldi’s masterpiece is to hear it being played live.Even Vivienne Westwood the brilliant designer and forerunner of the punk movement in her later years urged everyone to “go to a classical concert” further explaining that “Going to a live classical concert is an active, enriching experience,it develops your mind and individuality”
So I was delighted to be invited to watch and review The Four Seasons played by the extremely talented Virtuosi Thailand sextet. With Double Bass, Cello, Viola and three Violins all musicians were excellent but special mention
has to be made of the Lead violinist Toto Jirajet Jesadachet. One of Thailand’s leading violinists he attended the prestigious Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore and went on to complete his Master’s degree in
Violin Performance with Distinction at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
The Four Seasons, a defining Baroque masterpiece, allows the lead violinist such emotional range and virtuoso creativity it has long been a real show piece for brilliant performers. Khun Toto supported by 1st Violinist, Cellist or the whole ensemble providing a rhythmic undercurrent to his beautifully soaring performances was really magical. I heartily recommend that you look out for these Classical Concerts at the InterContinental – I believe the next will be in June so watch this space!
