Jovial jazz; Barber’s concerto; Messiaen; classical folklore

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

By Robyn Vincent

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-“Standard Time: Jazz with Pam and Keith”
Thursday’s Spotlight Concert juxtaposes the festival’s crop of classical concerts with “Standard Time: Jazz with Pam and Keith.” Pianists Pam and Keith Phillips will perform alongside old friends: Grammy-award winning drummer Paul Wertico, saxophonist David Halliday, and bassist Matt Larson.

“The concert will be a mix of jazz standards, in the same genre of Gershwin, as well as more obscure composers,” Keith Phillips said. “The playing can get a little adventurous,” He added, referring to the personal renditions the jazz musicians often inject into the pieces they play.

Married for 29 years, Jacksonites Pam and Keith Phillips exude chemistry on the stage, and playing with good friends should amplify the evocative equation.

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“100 Years of Virtuosity”
Guest conductor Steven Sloane, the general music director for the city of Bochum, Germany, will lead the festival orchestra along with Grammy-award winning violinist, James Ehnes, performing Mendelssohn’s “Herbrides Overture,” Barber’s “Violin Concerto,” and Schumann’s Symphony No. 1 – “Spring.”

Ehnes won a Grammy for his performance of Barber’s “Violin Concerto.” The violinist said the concerto is a compelling, dramatic piece. “I’ve played this piece a lot over the years. It’s definitely one of the most important American violin concertos. It’s really beautifully written with wonderful soaring melodies and there is great virtuosity on the last melody in particular,” Ehnes said.

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“Inside the Music: The Musical Range of Olivier Messiaen”
Marlene Pauley spearheads a mission into the music of French composer, Olivier Messiaen. Pauley is joined by flutist John Thorne, violinist Amy Glidden, pianist Brian Connelly and Geneieve Grenier on the ondes martenot. Some of Messiaen’s works slated for the evening audience include “Meditation of Silence,” and “Amen of the Consummation.”

Born in 1908, Messiaen died in 1992, so this year celebrates his centennial.
“Musicians all over the world are performing his works in celebration. Messiaen was a towering figure in music,” pianist Brian Connelly said. “His music blends elements of Gregorian chant, Asian and Indonesian music, Greek and Hindu rhythms, and sounds of nature including birdsong. His works create a world that is both dazzlingly voluptuous and deeply meditative.”

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Chamber Classics Picnic Concert: Week 4
This week’s Chamber Classic Picnic concert is a mélange of euphonic works, specifically chosen by the performing musicians. The concert commences with a short sextet of string players performing a piece by late 19th century Russian composer Alexander Bordin. A trio by 19th-century Czech composer Antonin Dvorak melding two violins and one viola will follow. Musicans will also perform “Contrasts,” by 20th-century Hungarian composer Bela Bartok, who drew his primary inspiration from folk material. “He spent his time in the countryside recording folk musicians. [“Contrasts” is] sort of vigorous, rather gypsy like and exciting. It’s really approachable and a lot of fun,” said chamber music coordinator, Martin Schuring.

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Jovial jazz; Barber’s concerto; Messiaen; classical folklore | Planet JH News Article: General News

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