2015 graduate recital
Sunday, April 26th, 2015 at 8pm, in the URI Recital Hall
The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Capriccio and Fantasy
This two movement work was inspired by the musical techniques of Steve Reich, a minimalist composer. During the first movement, the piano ostinato becomes the basis for a developing melodic journey which begins in the string section with a mysterious pizzicato, followed by an intense arco theme. The second movement continues the mysterious feel in a much slower tempo, as the piano takes center stage, revealing the main theme during its solo sections.
Dover Beach
The lyrics in this composition are based on Matthew Arnold's poem entitled "Dover Beach," written circa 1851. The poem has been referenced in several stage productions, movies, and books, including Fahrenheit 451, The Flying Dutchman, and Cabaret. Its text reflects humanity's struggle between religious beliefs and scientific advancement. The range of emotions caused by this internal conflict are reflected in the piece’s construction and stylistic interpretation.
Sonatina for Viola and Piano
The first movement is a lively exchange between players, built with non-traditional scales, and explores a range of moods, from delicate to aggressive. During the interplay, some highly expressive melodies appear. The second movement begins as a slow lament, turning unsettled as it develops, with an exciting lift in mood, then ends with a return to the main theme.
Paladino
In Italian, the word paladino means hero. This musical work was inspired by Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 (Eroica). Although Paladino’s style and orchestration are very different from that of Beethoven’s work, the heroic feel of Eroica is evident in Paladino. Each section of the ensemble is featured in this exciting journey through a range of emotions that a hero might experience.
Clarinet Solo #1
This piece was designed using non-conventional scales and explores a range of moods and textures, including some Middle-Eastern and European influences. The piece has several virtuosic sections and was composed for the highly advanced player.
Pandora for Saxaphone Quartet
Pandora is a rhythmic adventure which refuses to settle into any regular rhythmic patterns, or diatonic harmony, until the very end of the piece. Its mood is unsettled by use of atonal harmony and irregular rhythms. The work explores a range of emotions, including optimism, confusion, hope, and joy.
A Celtic Blessing
Taking inspiration from Percy Grainger’s piece, Irish Tune from County Derry, this work is a simple, heart-felt song, describing the subject’s love, and longing for the life they left “on the cliff by the sea.” Words by Jack Rametta.