The Journal

Issue date: 3/8/07 Section: LifeStyle

Media Credit: Audrey Burke The saxophone ensemble performs during "That '70s Chamber Music" concert March 5 in the new Community Music School building on Garden Avenue.

The era of the motorized tricycle and Mark Twain met the era of free love and flower power March 5 in the new Community Music School building for "That '70s Chamber Music Show."


Webster University's wind ensembles performed music from the 1870s and 1970s for about 75 people.


Previous shows were held in the old CMS building in University City. The grand opening of the new CMS building is scheduled for April 15.


Four ensembles took the floor, starting with the Webster Chamber Winds under the direction of Robert Clark. The ensemble included flute, clarinet, horn, bassoon, contrabassoon and cello. The first piece performed was "Sinfonia in G Minor," written by Gaetano Donizetti. Clark said a sinfonia is usually attached to something such as an overture.


The second piece, "Serenade in D Minor, Opus 44," was written in 1878 by Antonin Dvorak. The ensemble performed parts I and IV of the piece. Clark said Dvorak included folk and march rhythm in part I, while part IV was more of a dance rhythm.


Ayla Thorp, a freshman piano major, said while she liked the show, her favorite part was "Serenade in D Minor, Opus 44."


"It was exceptional," Thorp said.


The brass ensemble followed the chamber winds concert. Director James A. Martin introduced a short four to five minute piece by University of Michigan and Yale University alumnus Willson Osborne. "Canzona" was written in 1969 and published in 1970. The brass ensemble included three trumpets, one horn and three trombones.


Martin also was coordinator for the entire concert. He said the ensembles usually hold three or four performances per year, this being their second of the semester.


The final piece from the ensemble was written by St. Louis-born Lennie Niehaus. Adjunct music faculty Mike Karpowicz said while Niehaus was in the army, he met actor Clint Eastwood with whom he remained friends. Karpowicz said the music from both recent Eastwood films "The Million Dollar Baby" and "Flag of Our Fathers" was orchestrated by Niehaus. All eight saxophonists came together to play Niehaus' "Lucky Seven."

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools