Here we
go…the 2012-2013 concert season. The first rehearsal was exhilarating and
indicative of an amazing year of musical excellence. Thank you to the
musicians first and foremost for believing in something bigger than yourself:
MUSIC. With a full calendar of performances with an average of 6-7 rehearsals
for each…we have a tall order. After listening to the sounds made last night,
I feel confident in saying that each concert will be outstanding.
I offer
this commentary on what I observed Monday night…
“Irish
Tune from County Derry”: After an amazing read through with soaring horn and
ample low brass support, Maestro Maguire commented that the ensemble
needs to achieve “a reedy, woody rainforest. I noticed that the addition of
the string Bass is fabulous and adds a subtle, but impressive depth of sound.
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“Arabesque”-Get ready for the handclap! This sultry piece
included both fingery woodwind sections and
IN YOUR FACE brass sections. “Scare the audience…in tune” I believe was
the phrasing for the brass, in fact. Flute solo is obviously going to be a
shockingly beautiful intro to this piece. The low brass, especially the
seasoned trombone section gave great balance. The French horn section is going
to set the group apart from so many angles..what a joyous rapture of sound!
“Amazing Grace”-Encore piece…pretty demanding one in terms
of range and the END of a concert. Of course the Desert Winds is up for the
challenge.
“Paris Sketches”-I believe the Maestro requested “pretentious
French sounds”. Ha, I love it! This piece is an amazing journey of difficult
rhythms and dynamic extremes. Every section in the ensemble was asked to shine
and though the ensemble will need some rehearsals for this piece in particular,
there were some glorious moments nonetheless.
First saxophone, get outta here with your solo in the second
movement!
Percussion section- kudos to you on both the bellwork in
movement one and the timpani playing throughout.
The flute section brought the noise in Les Halle with some very clean playing and a pic solo that is
already heading somewhere groovy!
Horn section…be still my heart.
“Be Thou My Vision”-Does not appear to be challenging piece
at first look, a Grade IV, yet there were some opportunities for greatness. It
also offered a sharp contrast to the more aggressive pieces slated for the
October concert.
“Symphony No. V Finale, Op. 47”-Whoa. The transcription of
this piece is great in that it includes a harp, String bass, and piano. The
ensemble was deep into the rehearsal when this crazy piece was read and let’s
be honest….it was crazy hot in that band hall! Even with the heat and length of
playing prior, the first read-through was pretty impressive.
I am beyond impressed with this ensemble’s potential for this
season. While playing the most diverse
and difficult wind music available; you sweated through a rehearsal with class
poise and, above all, musicality.
Musically Yours,
Dr. Teresa Stewart Meli
