SPECIAL PROJECTS
Listening to a World Premiere
This one-night seminar is held in anticipation of Daniel Kellogg’s new work for
the Takacs String Quartet. WED 9/15/10 at the Newman
Center, Denver. www.friendsofchambermusic.org
“The Circa 1950
Project” starting Fall 2010
Modern America as we know it did
not evolve until after World War II, when the USA suddenly became the most
powerful nation the world has ever seen.
Laden with unresolved issues like civil rights,
and anxious about Communist subversion at home and overseas, we were
nevertheless determined to take the charge and restore human dignity in the aftermath
of the most devastating war. In this
unique time period of parallel currents, composers captured the diversity of
ideas through their art, ranging from the sublime to the bizarre. See “Concerts”
for schedule.
Johann Sebastian Bach: The Eloquence and Wit of the
Goldberg Variations
an evening enrichment
course at the University of Denver
Bach (1685-1750) set the bar high early in the
history of Western music, and many subsequent composers have paid homage to
him. Although he wrote for many genres, one of Bach’s greatest accomplishments
is with the keyboard. His Goldberg Variations have been a favorite of
connoisseurs for centuries, and pianist Hsing-ay Hsu
leads this informative and animated journey through the counterpoint of Bach’s
30 variations. Consider Bach’s interesting life (20 children!) and his career
marked by ups and downs. Yet, his music seems to soar to heaven. Drawing on
in-class piano demonstrations by your instructor, listen to, investigate and
discuss the stylistic details and the underlying architecture of Bach’s work,
including the exquisite counterpoint and subtext referencing Bach’s devotion to
God—and, yes, even a silly reference to bad cabbage! Also, compare different
interpretations of the variations, including piano and harpsichord. Discuss why
Bach truly was the ultimate mastermind.
“China through the Lens of Piano Music”
A
civilization’s music reveals its philosophy, style, and identity. This
performance project gives the perspective of award-winning pianist Hsing-ay Hsu, a Chinese-American, on Chinese culture
through Chinese piano music. The performance component includes a wide variety
of Chinese music, from ancient tunes to new commissions. The interwoven film
segments with live narration involve a historical and a philosophical overview
of Chinese aesthetics, and of the Chinese “experience”
lived by Ms. Hsu and her family.
Professional
Clinics (please email for detailed information)
Conquering Performance
Anxiety
Creating a Music Career
In the Practice Room
Messiaen Centennial Celebration
Program I:
ENTERING THE WORLD OF MESSIAEN
50 minutes
lecture-recital
One of the most sensual
and exotic composers of the 20th century, Olivier Messiaen created a new sound world to express his mystical
Catholic faith. Hsu discusses the synthesis of
nature, the French lineage, synesthesia
and the visual arts, and other disparate elements in Messiaen’s
works. The two featured pieces are Messiaen’s Premiere
Communion de la Vierge and Regard de l’Eglise d’amour from Vingt
Regards sur l’enfant Jesus.
This lecture-recital enables the non-scholar to develop a personal relationship
with Messiaen’s musical art.
Program II: THE
FRENCH CONNECTION
50 minutes solo
and chamber music
Guest violinist
Judith Ingolfsson in Messiaen’s
Theme & Variations
French music
has evolved quite dramatically over the last few centuries, and yet they share
certain aesthetics. A love for rich harmonies, for
nature, and for poetic renderings draw together this program of
Couperin, Debussy, and Messiaen.
Program III:
FAITH IN THE MUSIC OF MESSIAEN
50 minutes
lecture-recital
French composer
Olivier Messiaen expressed his devout Catholic faith
through his musical art. Among his numerous sacred works is the
masterpiece Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant
Jesus, or “Twenty Contemplations on the Baby Jesus”, written in
1944. Hsu explains basic compositional devices that represent the
theological ideas behind this grand work, and performs Premiere Communion de
la Vierge and Regard de l’Eglise
d’amour.
Program IV:
VISIONS DE L’AMEN
50 minutes
piano duo
Guest pianist
David Korevaar
“Visions de l’Amen” is one of the most striking 20th century
works for piano duo. The idea of “Amen” comes from Ernest Hello’s
definition: “expressions of the creative art, obedient acceptance, spiritual
desire, and eternal consummation”. Messiaen
evokes the majesty and power of the eternal world with sounds of gamelan,
jewels, and birdsong.