Virtual Concerts

Both of these concerts are undeniably different in atmosphere, sound, and eloquence; however, they do have one common factor. This common factor is the musicality they bring to their audience as well as the joy that is exuberated throughout the performance. The first virtual concert I watched entitled “Slatkin Conducts Appalachian Spring” was not a traditional band much like the other virtual concert entitled “Dr. Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys”. Appalachian Spring started out soft and sweet then it built momentum until the climax of the song. This point of the song was loud and demanding. After the climax, the two styles of sweet and demanding seemed to be in competition for attention. It went back and forth between the two styles, …show more content…
Ralph Stanley, exploded onto the scene in 1947. Their first record dropped in 1948 and it was entitled, “Molly and Tenbrooks” causing them to become regional hits. According to an encyclopedia, Stanley is “one of the patriarchs of bluegrass.” Therefore, it is only fitting that he was to create a bluegrass band such as The Clinch Mountain Boys. The concert was full of guest stars; even one of Stanley’s young grandsons, Isaac Moore preformed “God Gave You To Me.” This song performed by Moore made me ecstatic and it was one of the best parts of the concert. The other thing that stood out to me throughout the concert was the remarkable fiddler who never ceased to entertain with his quick fingers and his skillful pluck of the strings. This concert was different from the orchestra concert since The Clinch Mountain Boys seemed more inviting as well as more willing to entertain. Whereas the orchestra concert felt more practiced, and had that distant feeling as if you felt disconnected from the performers. Although Dr. Ralph Stanley passed away recently on June 23, 2016, I am confident that his legacy as well as his songs will live on. I do not think that this concert was the end of The Clinch Mountain Boys but rather a new fire rekindled since they are going to be doing more shows often, according to a member from the group. According to the same encyclopedia, “The Stanley Brothers not only survived, they actually thrived” meaning that no matter what was heaved at them, they always stood firm in what they believed in, which was their music, and came out on top causing them to thrive more towards the future. I think that was the reason why I wanted a further research the group as well as their concert. Their atmosphere roared of optimism as well as a welcoming tone to their music. They encouraged their listeners to embrace the music, to embrace a new sound that was distinctly bluegrass,