Hats off to Peter Hadley, music director and conductor of the Wesleyan Wind Ensemble. The 43-member aggregation (plus guests) played 5 pieces, 4 of them directly influenced by African American and absolutely rocked the house.
The high point of the evening was a sparkling and rollicking version of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue", arguably one of the greatest pieces of 20th Century American concert music (that's the composer pictured above.) Guest pianist Jose Garcia-Leon, currently Assistant Professor of Music at the University of New Haven, was dazzling, truly capturing the composer's brilliant combination of European and African American influences. Yes, it's a "showy" piece but, played as well as it was tonight, the music is uplifting.
Other highlights included Garcai-Leon's wife, Coralie Gallet, lyric soprano and member of the voice faculty at Barnard College in New York City, delivered a splendid reading of Gershwin's "Summertime." Sans amplification, her voice still managed to reach those seated in the rear of Crowell Concert Hall, although the band covered some of her lower notes.
The program's final piece, David Holsinger's "Abram's Pursuit", an extremely percussive piece, was nearly as exciting as "Rhapsody.." and very impressive for how well the musicians navigated the rhythms and the frenetic melody line.
Next time you see a listing for a WesWinds concert, make sure to go. You can't beat the price (free admission) and the music Hadley chooses for the group is almost always excellent.
2 comments:
Oooo, a review! I love this. More please.
-A. Nona Mouse
Tuesday night was my first concert by Weswinds and I must say the hour moved too quickly! Every piece was played incredibly and the music just had me swaying and lost in incredible notes and performances.
The members of this performance were moved to watch as their commitment and passion showed in their body as well as their music.
Well done and kudos to Peter Hadley and the entire WesWinds. I anticipate the next performance!
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