OSU Percussion Ensemble in concert Monday

Sunday, April 7, 2013

 

 

 

OSU Percussion Ensemble to offer final performance for the semester

The Oklahoma State University Percussion Ensemble will offer its final concert of the semester on Monday, April 8th, at 8 p.m. in the Seretean Center Concert Hall.  

The evening will start with an arrangement of the Bela Fleck chart “Metric Lips,” which features mixed meters, sections in a straight feel and swing, as well as solos from all the ensemble members.

A fairly recent composition by pianist Gabriela Lena Frank will follow. Originally written for two pianos, the piece, “Danza de los Saqsampillos,” has been arranged for two marimbas to offer a Spanish flair. It will be played by Sara Mauch and Remington Thorton.   

The next piece takes the audience out of their comfort zone by using instruments that are not commonly heard such as ringing bowls and muted brake drums.  Lou Harrison's “Song of Queztecoatl” was ahead of its time when written in 1941.  

An energetic marimba solo with percussion ensemble accompaniment will follow. “Uneven Souls” reflects the character of the Slavic people in the Balkans and their uneven souls that are free from strict rules and ultimatums with rhythms based mostly on uneven beats. Singing is also important to this work since it is an important part of everyday life. The work, composed in 1992, will feature a choir of tenors made up of students from the vocal department and a solo played by Michael Barnes.

The concert will come to a close with “Paschal Dances” for the large ensemble and using mallet instruments and drums.  Made of multiple sections, the work has both slow and meditative parts as well fast and driving sections.  Performers will sing in the style of Gregorian Chant.  “Paschal Dances” was written in 1986 by David Gillingham.