2023 Spring Student Showcase Tuesday, April 11, 2023

The Fairlie Trumpet Call is a tribute to the composer's hometown and the brass band tradition that is so important to the community. The piece opens with a fanfare-like melody played by the trumpets, announcing the arrival of something special. As the music progresses, the rest of the brass ensemble joins in, creating a powerful and unified sound that fills the space. The rhythms and harmonies are bold and assertive, conveying a sense of pride and confidence. The Fairlie Trumpet Call is a celebratory work, meant to inspire and uplift both performers and audience alike. It is a testament to the enduring power of community music-making and the spirit of place.

"Drip" is a captivating and dynamic percussion ensemble piece composed by an emerging contemporary composer. The work was written in 2021 and premiered in a live performance in a contemporary music festival.

The composition is scored for 1-4 djembes, a type of West African hand drum, and electronics. The title "Drip" reflects the piece's theme, which focuses on the sound of dripping water as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. The use of electronics provides an atmospheric accompaniment to the djembe's percussive sounds, creating a rich and textured sonic landscape.

The piece begins with a series of syncopated rhythms played on a single djembe, gradually building in intensity and complexity as other djembes enter. The rhythms are characterized by interlocking patterns, where each djembe plays a unique rhythm that, when combined with others, creates a complex polyrhythmic texture. The piece's use of dynamics and phrasing is well-executed, creating a sense of tension and release that propels the music forward.

The electronics serve to enhance the rhythmic complexity of the piece, adding layers of texture and atmosphere to the percussive sounds. The use of filters, delays, and other effects creates an otherworldly sonic environment, complementing the djembe's organic sounds.

Throughout the piece, the composer employs a range of extended techniques, such as slapping and muffling, to create a variety of timbres and textures. The individual djembe parts are skillfully crafted to create a seamless whole, with each part contributing to the overall rhythmic structure.

The central section of the piece features a series of call-and-response exchanges between the djembes, creating a sense of dialogue and interaction. This section builds to a frenzied climax before resolving back into the opening theme.

String Quartet No.12, Op.96, also known as the "American" quartet, is a four-movement work by Antonin Dvořák composed in 1893 during his stay in Spillville, Iowa. The first movement, marked Allegro ma non troppo, is characterized by its pastoral and folk-inspired melodies.

The first movement of Dvořák's String Quartet No.12, Op.96, opens with a warm and gentle melody played by the first violin, reminiscent of an American folk song. This is soon echoed by the other instruments, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The movement progresses with a sense of optimism and contentment, as the melodies interweave and develop in a free-flowing and natural way. Despite occasional moments of tension and drama, the movement never loses its overall sense of tranquility and simplicity, conveying a sense of the beauty and harmony of nature.

Miniatures for Woodwind Quintet is a charming and expressive composition by William Grant Still, arranged for woodwind quintet by Adam Lesnick. This work consists of five short movements, each highlighting the distinct qualities of the woodwind instruments. Here are the program notes for movements I, III, and V:

Movement I: "Ride an Old Paint"

The opening movement of Miniatures for Woodwind Quintet features the traditional American folk song "Ride an Old Paint". The melody is introduced by the clarinet, followed by the other instruments in turn, creating a lively and playful atmosphere. The use of syncopation and rhythmic variation gives the movement a sense of energy and excitement.

Movement III: "Jesus is a Rock in the Weary Land"

The third movement of Miniatures for Woodwind Quintet is a soulful and reflective piece featuring the African American spiritual "Jesus is a Rock in the Weary Land". The melody is shared between the oboe and French horn, with the other instruments providing a rich and supportive accompaniment. The use of expressive phrasing and dynamic contrasts adds a sense of depth and emotion to the movement.

Movement V: "A Frog Went A-Courtin'"

The final movement of Miniatures for Woodwind Quintet is a whimsical and playful piece based on the traditional children's song "A Frog Went A-Courtin'". The melody is passed between the instruments in a lively and upbeat manner, with the use of playful syncopation and rhythmic variation. The movement ends with a lively flourish, leaving the listener with a sense of joy and delight.

"Durch Zärtlichkeit und Schmeicheln" is an aria from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera "Die Entführung aus dem Serail" (The Abduction from the Seraglio). The opera, written in 1782, tells the story of a Spanish nobleman who attempts to rescue his lover from a Turkish harem. "Durch Zärtlichkeit und Schmeicheln" is sung by the character Konstanze, who is one of the captives in the harem. In this aria, Konstanze expresses her conflicting emotions towards her captor, Pasha Selim. The music is characterized by its tender and delicate melody, supported by a lush orchestral accompaniment. The aria is also notable for its use of chromaticism and modulation, which reflect the complex emotions of the character. Overall, "Durch Zärtlichkeit und Schmeicheln" is a beautiful and poignant piece that showcases Mozart's skill in creating music that is both emotionally rich and musically sophisticated.

Sonetto No. 104 del Petrarca is a solo piano work composed by Franz Liszt, based on a poem by the Italian Renaissance poet, Francesco Petrarca. The piece is part of the second book of Liszt's "Années de Pèlerinage" (Years of Pilgrimage), which was inspired by his travels through Italy. This particular sonetto is known for its lyrical and romantic character, with Liszt using his virtuosic piano technique to express the deep emotions and yearnings of Petrarca's poetry. The piece begins with a simple and haunting melody, which gradually builds to a climactic point of intense passion and then subsides into a gentle and reflective coda. The music is full of expressive and dramatic contrasts, making it a favorite among pianists and audiences alike.

The Concerto No. 1 in C minor for Trumpet and Piano was composed by Russian composer Vladimir Peskin. The work is in three movements and showcases the trumpet's technical and expressive capabilities. The first movement begins with a solemn introduction from the piano, followed by the entrance of the trumpet playing a lyrical and expressive theme. The second movement is a lively scherzo featuring virtuosic trumpet passages, while the third movement is a rousing finale that features a fast and rhythmic dialogue between the trumpet and piano. Throughout the concerto, Peskin's use of melody, harmony, and rhythm displays a unique and distinctive musical voice. The work is considered a cornerstone of the trumpet repertoire and continues to be frequently performed and studied by trumpet players and music enthusiasts alike.