Faculty members from the Department of Music delivered an unforgettable recital at Edwards Recital Hall, centered around the story of dance and highlighting the value of expression through movement on Feb. 23.
Clarinetist and Assistant Professor of Music Eric Schultz, along with staff pianist Muriel Bennett Balzer, each brought their unique ability and passion to the stage, displaying rhythmic diversity. The intimate performance provided the perfect backdrop for a diverse program that featured a blend of classical, traditional and indigenous works.
“It’s beautiful that music sounds so different, and yet there is this common linking thread that everything is an homage to dance,” Shultz said. “Diversity is our strength, and we should celebrate that.”
The concert featured a variety of performances, including Claude Debussy’s French classical ballet “Première Rhapsodie,” Johanny Navarro’s intimate Puerto Rican dance “Danzón,” and Witold Lutoslawski’s folk-inspired “Dance Preludes.” Amanda Harburg’s “Oh, Snap!” and her version of the tango for bass clarinet and piano served as modern American influences in the current compositions. There was also a surprise encore performance of “Glitter and Be Gay” from Leonard Bernstein’s operetta “Candide,” which was not included in the program to cap off the evening with artistic flair.
In residence for the event, Emiliano Revert, a composer from Buenos Aires, discussed the story and purpose behind the complex harmonies of his composition, “Stowaway.” It received its American premiere that evening and brought a distinctive Argentine and Latin perspective to the program.
“The idea of ‘Stowaway’ is to try to combine different and difficult concepts that make this piece unique in a way,” Revert said. “I think it’s important to understand where the music comes from and what it’s trying to achieve.”
For the audience, this recital was an educational, emotional and artistic experience. As the final notes faded and the audience rose for a standing ovation, it was clear that the recital had left an impression.
Rachel Byers, a sophomore flute performance major, attended the event to support her professor, Schultz, and to learn something new by hearing music from past and current renowned composers.
“Leaving, [Schultz] made [the recital] about something bigger than just representing live composers, representing composers from different ethnic backgrounds,” Byers said.
