Writings of David Amos David Amos List of honorees Louis Rose Society Jewishsightseeing home SD Jewish Times
Music Notes: From Here And There, To Start The New Year
By
David Amos
If you are a staunch traditionalist, a lover of the standard repertory, such a
program may not be a priority for you. But, I would suggest that you give it a
try. Many concertgoers make the mistake of trying to compare the music they have
enjoyed all their lives with the progressive, evolving sounds of some of the new
music. In every case, if you compare, you are likely to be disappointed, because
nothing will ever stand up to what is familiar and comfortable for us to hear.
But,
I will put it you in this manner: attend a live concert or recital of modern
music without preconceived notions. Listen to the sounds, the textures, the
instrumentation. Observe the expressions of the musicians. You may not be swept
away in the same way as if you would be hearing something by, say, Dvorak. But,
if you allow it, you may surprise yourself and connect emotionally with the
modern music you hear.
Remember,
not all music is necessarily good. That is why it is called “experimental.”
But part of this experiment is up to the concertgoers themselves, determining
what music truly communicated to them, and what selections did not. Remember
that in any style — modern classical, traditional, popular, rock, jazz, or
anything else — there is good and bad. A few works are very good, and a few
others are really bad. But only through listening and exposure can we become
more discriminating, expand our tastes, and increase our spectrum of pleasure.
I
remember an amusing story told to me by an executive of the San Francisco
Symphony. While he was standing in the concert hall, watching as the audience
exited from an all-Luciano Berio concert (a masterful composer whose music is
strongly modern and avante garde), two
lady concertgoers of advanced ages were commenting to each other, “Remember
when we used to attend concerts and we hated Ravel?” It is all a matter of
perspective.
“Information
Densities” features three explorations of mathematics and compositional rigor
in contemporary composition: Brian Ferneyhough’s virtuoso solo percussion
work, Bone Alphabet, Iannis Xenakis’
piano solo a.R and Phillip Glass’
early minimalist work, Music in Fifths.
The program also features guest artists Kathleen Gallagher and Marion Garver-Fredrickson.
Ms. Gallagher and Noise flutist Lisa Cella have formed their own duo, inhale
for a performance of Toru Takemitsu’s Masques
and Two Pieces for Flutes by Harvey
Sollberger, and Ms. Carver-Fredrickson will perform Chris Fulford-Brown’s The
Heist for contrabass flute solo. Concluding the program will be a work for
flute and guitar titled Herbstalte in
mebel by the Swiss composer Ulrich Gasser.
During my student days at Indiana University, I had the rare opportunity and
pleasure to have extensive conversations with Iannis Xenakis, one of the
recognized giants of modern music. His musical insights, warmth, and attitudes
will stay with me forever.
In
the list of composers mentioned above, there are some familiar names in
contemporary music, and less recognized ones. But, part of being a seasoned
concertgoer and music lover is the need to listen and learn about all kinds of
music. I call it the “happiness of pursuit.”
There will be a pre-concert chat beginning one half hour before the program.
Tickets are $12 for Athenaeum members, and $17 for the general public. Student
“rush tickets” will be available at the door for $7. For reservations and/or
directions, call the Athenaeum in La Jolla, 858-454-5872.
*
* *
An
80th birthday salute to Gussie
Zaks, a special lady with more drive and energy than most of us have, was
celebrated at the Doubletree Hotel on Dec. 25. There was a warm gathering of
friends and relatives to commemorate the event. During the tribute, we heard
about Gussie’s many accomplishments. Fine musical entertainment was provided
by clarinetist Larry Okmin and pianist Gary Bendett.
It is said that if you change one person’s life toward the good, you
contribute to improving the whole world (the Judaic concept of “Tikkun Olam”).
Through her relentless campaign of valuable public service, Gussie has turned
around the lives of countless people. Most people are kind, and lead good lives.
But others, such as Gussie, make things happen! Congratulations to Mike and
Gussie.
*
* *
A
happy, healthy, prosperous, peaceful, and creative 2006 to everyone.