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Concert: American Brass Quintet
Thursday, 8pm
Kimberly Stephans, Reviewer
The American Brass Quintet (ABQ) concert was a fine mix of the old and the new. Divided into three sections, with short intermissions between each section, the program consisted of six works. In each section, the ABQ performed a work from the 15th and 16th centuries and one work from the late 20th century. All of the 20th century compositions were commissions by the ABQ.
The concert began with Three Madrigals from the late 16th century by Luca Marenzio, edited by Raymond Mase, and was followed by Mosaics, written by Anthony Plog, which was premiered November 17, 1997.
Chansons by Josquin des Pres, edited by Ray Mase, and Quintet 99 by David Sampson comprised the second section of the program. Quintet 99 was premiered July 20, 1999, hence the title.
The final portion of the program consisted of Three Fantasia in Church Modes by Thomas Stoltzer, edited by Arnold Fromme, and Elliott Carter's Brass Quintet, which was premiered October 20, 1974.
Of particular interest was the seamless, even quality in the middle movement of Quintet 99, which is a long section of muted notes passed back and forth between the musicians. As one note decrescendos, another crescendos, giving the impression of a prism or sun-catcher turning slowly, revealing different sides and colors as it turns. Also of interest was the near-perfect match between Raymond Mase and Kevin Cobb. When playing the madrigals and other early music selections, it was nearly impossible to tell who was playing what part.
The entire program was performed with the ABQ's usual exquisite finesse and beauty. It is difficult to comment further on this performance other than to say that this quintet continues to live up to the expectation that their performances will be polished, balanced and performed with the utmost musical expression. (Kimberly Stephans, M.M. student, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana) |
