Sample Review

Subject line of your email: MUS 100 (also put your topic here)

Stan Student (your name)
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (the event)
MUS100 (this class)
March 28, 2010 (concert date)

(Use these paragraph titles)
General Impressions
I, along with many fellow Northern Kentucky University students, attended the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, March 25, 2006. I can honestly say that this is the first orchestra that I have ever attended, and I was unsure of what to expect. Although I was not sure where he got his information, one of my friends that I had attended the performance with provided me with some information that helped me understand the concert a little better than I would have without him. Even with his information, I still felt a little lost. Initially, I felt out of place as I was not one that generally would dress up in a shirt and tie to attend a concert, but this is the norm. The conductor for the evening was Carlos Kalmar with guest soloist Eric Kim on the cello. I was surprised with the acoustics of the concert hall, as the music sounded crystal clear from our standpoint, as I am sure that it did throughout the hall. This particular performance consisted of three pieces, providing entertainment for the evening.

Concert Overview (include composition title and composer for every piece performed)
The performance consisted of three pieces: Thomas Adés’ ...but all shall be well, William Walton’s Cello Concerto, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Pathetique. Of these pieces, I preferred Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique. I believe that this piece is amazing, probably because I have read about, written a report about, and listened to previous works of Tchaikovsky while I was in high school. I read up about this piece, as it is said that it is, perhaps, one of his greatest pieces. Although I was not completely overwhelmed by the concert, I still found it enjoyable. Perhaps when I attend the next one, the orchestra will leave a better impression on me.

Music Impressions
My impression of the musicians is that they are extremely gifted with their respective instruments. Each piece brought something new to the table. The first piece, ...but all shall be well, was very erratic. The second piece, the Cello Concerto, possessed three different kinds of moods, as it began slow and soothing, leading into a fast movement, and closing with a somewhat eerie, slow beat. The final piece, and my personal favorite, was one that I could really relate to. Pathetique reminded me of my tastes in music, and how it changes from one moment to the next. I found it amazing how it evolved from a slow, somewhat peaceful, piece into a fast, extremely wild, piece. Credit is given where credit is due, and the musicians who performed these pieces deserved nothing less than a standing ovation.

Personal Reaction
Although I was not overwhelmed, left wanting more, after this concert, I still found it enjoyable. The acoustics of the concert hall provide the setting for great performances. Perhaps the next one will be better as my girlfriend has been begging for me to take her, as she is an avid fan of this style of music. Perhaps through her enthusiasm I’ll find a greater joy in attending the orchestra.