The Bob Cole Conservatory Symphony Orchestra captivated the audience with three pieces of beautifully-composed music, as well as a bit of comedy on Friday night in Daniel Recital Hall.
The orchestra, which consists of 84 musicians, performed three modern compositions by Alan Shockley, Aaron Copland and Dmitri Shostakovich.
Johannes Müller-Stosch conducted the first piece titled “The Night Copies Me in All its Stars,” composed by Alan Shockley. This piece began with a haunting percussion that sounded like the low hum of the wind. The music lingered softly almost to a point where it was barely noticeable, and then it would crescendo back into a robust and powerful climax.
When “The Night Copies Me in All its Stars” finished, the crowd cheered, prompting the conductor and the orchestra to stand and bow. The music was so beautifully performed that even the composer, who attended the concert, ran to the stage and shook the hand of conductor Müller-Stosch.
Before the next song began, Müller-Stosch came on stage and jokingly warned the crowd that the next piece was “going to get loud” because of the small size of DHR. Müller-Stosch went on to introduce his pupil, and the conductor for the next piece
Brandon Faber, graduate assistant conductor, conducted the following piece, titled “Appalachian Spring.” This piece marked the culmination of his graduate conducting project.
“Appalachian Spring” begins with a soft sound, and transitions into a playful tune. This piece was fun to listen to, and conveyed springtime flawlessly. It may have been the most familiar to listeners with the tune ” A Gift to be Simple,” a popular choral piece, being the main melody in the composition. This piece was enjoyable, and the musicians seemed to have fun with it. The ending of this piece was so soft and beautiful, it was the kind of music that makes you want to close your eyes, and let it consume you.
After the intermission, Müller-Stosch returned to the stage and addressed a question, addressed to him, that was received via text message — “Are you single?”
This question received major laughs from the audience, and Müller-Stosch’s response — “I’m renovating my new condo, so if you know how to dry wall give me a call” — received even more.
“Op.10” a Shostakovich symphony, closed the concert. This piece was very serious compared to the others. Its movements ranged from somber and slow-paced, to intense and fast paced. Unfortunately, it was the least enjoyable. It was played beautifully but the composition became boring at points and left listeners with mixed emotions. There were some beautiful violin solos, performed by Madeleine Eaton, that almost brought this drab piece back, but the morose tone took over, and the piece never recovered.
Overall, this concert had some beautiful music, and, for the most part, kept the audience engaged.
