HSU Jazz Orchestra pays tribute to legendary composer and pianist Horace Silver, and the Symphonic Band plays lesser-known gems by classic 20th century composers in their shared concert on Saturday October 4 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
Horace Silver, says Jazz Orchestra director Dan Aldag, “is one of the most influential composers in jazz history.” Many of his tunes are jazz standards, and the orchestra is playing seven of them.
Silver’s status as a hard-bop pioneer is represented by “Sister Sadie,” “Filthy McNasty” and other tunes. “Nutville” and “Nica’s Dream” showcase his Latin rhythms. Silver also wrote beautiful ballads, particularly one on this program: “Peace.”
Silver’s very detailed works for small ensembles are easily adaptable to big band, Aldag said. “Fans of Silver’s original recordings will hear much that is familiar in the arrangements we’re playing.”
In their half of this shared concert, the HSU Symphonic Band performs shorter works by 20th century composers George Gershwin, R. Vaughan Williams and Alberto Ginastera, as well as Gustav Holst’s complete Second Suite for Military Band.
George Gershwin’s second prelude has his characteristic jazz-inflected style, said Symphonic Band director Paul Cummings. “If listeners find it similar to Rhapsody in Blue, it’s no mistake.”
“Sea Songs” is a march in the slower British style by Vaughan Williams, part of his English Folk Song Suite, which is “probably his best known work for wind band. It’s very tuneful music and fun to play.”
“Danza Final” by Alberto Ginasera by contrast is very rhythmic and energetic. “It’s a rousing, exciting number.”
Holst’s second suite is also partly based on folk melodies. The most famous of the four movements is the rhythmic “Song of the Blacksmith.” “This is one of the earliest works written for wind band,” Cummings noted, “and it is considered one of the best band pieces ever.”
HSU Jazz Orchestra and Symphonic Band perform on Saturday October 4 at 8 p.m. in Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus. Tickets are $8, $5 seniors and children, free to HSU students with ID, from HSU Box Office (826-3928) or at the door. Produced by HSU Music department.
Media: Eureka Times-Standard Urge, HSU Now
No comments:
Post a Comment