When contemplating my move to Arkansas I heard about refrigerators on front porches and treasures under blue tarps. I was told that Beethoven and Brahms had been squeezed into oblivion by bluegrass and country. I didn’t think I could survive without Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. I had heard it performed by orchestras in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Pittsburg, Cleveland and Chicago. Would I manage to live without Ludwig?
On Sunday, March 5, I heard Symphony Orchestra of Northwest Arkansas perform my favorite 5th at John Brown University. Maestro Haas related a story I had not heard. Ludwig was going deaf when he composed the 5th. He met his crisis by writing darkness and fear into the first two movements. The last two movements became his celebration of joy and new courage. The full brass section startled anyone who may have been nodding. I had difficulty remaining in my seat. I wanted to shout with the finale that seemed reluctant to end. Ludwig was through the valley of the shadow and into the rich plains of rejoicing.
I’ve learned to tolerate and even enjoy some bluegrass and country. The lyrics make me chuckle. A roamer whines about having a two dollar bill a hundred miles from home. A loser laments that love was never meant for him. Singing seems to help a troubled soul surmount a tough life. The plinkety plank of a banjo starts toes to tapping. I guess I’ve become an eclectic.
The first live concert I attended was in Philadelphia. Eugene Ormandy conducted the 5th. I was only 17. The 5th was indelibly carved into my mind. I’ll drive a few hours to hear it again and again, but I can do without bluegrass and country. I have no need to find out how that fellow got home on a two dollar bill.
The 5th assures me there is joy beyond the valley of the shadow.