The Bemidji State University (BSU) Symphonic Band and Chamber Winds, the wind ensemble, preformed a concert last Sunday titled "Around the World: Music from Near and Far."
Pieces from the United States, Britain and Russia were played, with the occasional accompaniment of an opera singer and member of the BSU music dept., Dr. Jennifer Swanson. Each performer was professional and well practiced for the event.
The performance was divided into three parts. The Symphonic Band began the evening by playing three pieces by two North American composers and one Russian composer. John Philip Sousa’s piece, "The Gladiator March," began the concert with its minor key and upbeat tempo.
This moved into the three part piece "In the Forest of the King: A Suite of Old French Songs" by Pierre La Plante. As an exit, the symphony finished with the powerful "Galop" by Dmitri Shostakovich. Then, the Symphonic Band exited and was replaced by Chamber Winds.
This moved into the three part piece "In the Forest of the King: A Suite of Old French Songs" by Pierre La Plante. As an exit, the symphony finished with the powerful "Galop" by Dmitri Shostakovich. Then, the Symphonic Band exited and was replaced by Chamber Winds.
Swanson joined the Chamber Winds for their performance of four pieces composed by Percy Grainger. The soothing woodwinds gave each song a light folk-tone. Beginning with "Early One Morning," the performers followed with "Died for Love," "The Two Ravens" and finished with "British Waterside."
With occasional vocals provided by Swanson, the ensemble performed the final four pieces. Beginning with the "Florentiner March" by Julius Fucik, the audience was put in a cheerful mood. However, the next song, "Epinicon" by John Paulson, inspired a sense of mystery and unknowing.
From there, the healing melody of "Blessed Are They" by Johannes Brahms filled the stage, removing the eerie feeling of the previous song.
From there, the healing melody of "Blessed Are They" by Johannes Brahms filled the stage, removing the eerie feeling of the previous song.
Chamber Winds concluded the concert with "Aspen Jubilee" by Ron Nelson, which provided an exhilarating sensation and left the audience wanting more.
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