New Music Ensemble

I'm unable to attend "Necessary Targets" so I'm anxious to hear about that performance but I did attend the Tuesday night concert, so here's my response:

Earlier this year I sat in the Foellinger Great Hall of Krannert for my roommate's concert band performance. While I sat in the comfortable tan seats again, I felt as though I had graduated to a new level of music. The New Music Ensemble brought the use of instruments and the incorporation of pre-recorded electronic music to my attention. I was particularly frightened at first during the second piece when the lights dimmed and the music began playing through speakers. The volume and change in pitch made me jump out of my seat as it was unexpected. It was like I had just turned the corner at a Haunted House and even though no scream came from my mouth, my body language suggested that I was definitely surprised. I could pretend that I wasn't but Luna was sitting next to me and I think we both had a similar reaction.

Phillip Blume's piano solo was not my favorite of all the pieces. He warned the audience that the piece would be sparse and indeed it was. It just wasn't my type of piano solo. I do give him credit though because it was different and made me think why he was playing the way he was. The striking of a single key at a time was dramatic but didn't engage my attention for very long.

The final piece, which I believe was titled "A San Francisco Night," turned out to be my favorite not only because of the music but the incorporation of multiple musicians. I enjoy watching the musicians throughout the piece to see their reaction and determination to stay focused. It was a bold yet lighter piece that didn't have me jumping out of my seat but caught my attention.

Finally, I liked when the composers stood in the audience after their piece. I felt a stronger connection to the music that was played after seeing the man who wrote it. You could tell that it was an accomplishment to not only hear it but be sitting among an audience who is also sharing in your hard work.