Category Archives: Uncategorized

Excelling without Excluding: Texas Choral Consort’s Summer Symposium

Submitted by Phil Pollack

The Texas Choral Consort (TCC) recently concluded their 12th season with a non-auditioned symposium concert titled “A Shadow of Light.” I was fortunate enough to be in attendance for the Sunday performance and TCC treated me to five works from disparate musical periods, performing each piece admirably.

 

TCC

 Each of these works was tied to the others by its composer’s homage to earlier periods and musical styles, and for a universal music lover such as myself there really could not have been a better format for a concert. Not only did I receive a fresh lesson in Baroque music, something I admittedly know little about, but I was treated to two modern pieces, one of which was being premiered by TCC. I thoroughly enjoyed this premier work, Peter Stopschinski’s Orff’s Good Fortune. For me, it was the highlight of the show, combining elements of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with chord progressions I swear I’ve heard in modern pop music.
 

great stuff 003

 In addition to the stellar musical content, I was also impressed by the balance between the instrumentalists and the singers. Each performer in the group knew when to stand out and when to sit back, and their musical blend benefited immensely from this attention to detail. Northwest Hills United Methodist Church provided a great venue for the musical interplay, allowing the audience to hear all of the detail in these works without blowing them back in their seats. All of this from a group that accepts anyone in their symposiums; the only requirement being a genuine interest in singing. If you are interested in learning more about this Austin choral group, visit their newly redesigned website: www.txconsort.org.
 

~ Phil Pollack,  KMFA  Technology & Production

Then and Now: Itzhak Perlman performing Mendelssohn

Every now and then, a video will circulate around the radio station that reminds me what classical music looks like, and I get a glimpse of the human element.  Here are two such videos: the first featuring Itzhak Perlman at age 13, and the second video featuring him as an adult; both feature the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto.  They are both delightful performances, but I was surprised to observe that, as a young teen, he was a taciturn and serious performer, whereas his enjoyment and humor seemed to expand as he matured. 

Enjoy!

~Alison Cowden, KMFA webmaster

 Itzhak Perlman video - childItzhak Perlman video - adult

Grilling with Gluck

One of the best ways to decompress after a long, hot, triple-digit day is to come home and listen to Lilly Gibsonyour favorite performance of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s passionate love story, Orfeo ed Eurydice.      I picked it because it’s about renewal, faith, and (literally) undying love, and it’s just long enough to prepare a simple meal without too much hustle and bustle.

But what to eat, you say? You don’t want to heat up the kitchen in this weather, so do a little grilling. This meal is simple and cooks mostly by itself, and you’ll enjoy preparing it because you’ll be accompanied by the music of Gluck.

First, get a glass of wine or beverage of choice and put on the opera. While Orfeo is mourning his lost love with “Chiamo il mio ben, Objet de mon amour,” gather these ingredients:

  • Whole Chicken, cut upCorn on the Cob
  • Olive oil or melted butter or margarine
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • Fresh Garlic
  • Dark Brown Sugar
  • Corn on the Cob (with husks still attached)
  • Romaine Lettuce/Dressing

Put the garlic through a garlic press and mix with the pepper, oil or butter and just a pinch of brown sugar. Season to taste and relax while the ingredients get to know each other. At the end of Act 1, after Amore sings “Gli sguardi trattieni, Soumis au silence” and Orfeo resolves to go to the underworld to get his beloved Eurydice, place the chicken pieces in the mixture to marinate.

Just when the Furies try to burn Orfeo with their threats in Act II, turn on your gas grill. It doesn’t take that long to heat up; if you’re using a charcoal grill, firing up the coals should be done before you gather the ingredients.

It’s time to put the chicken and the corn on the grill, when Orfeo convinces the Furies to let him into the underworld. “Ah, quale incognito affetto, Quels chants doux.” The chicken should cook about 8 to 10 minutes on each side, depending on the temperature of your grill. The corn should not be placed directly on the fire, but on an upper shelf away from the flame.Orpheus & Eurydice

In Act III, after a brief moment of happiness between Orfeo and Eurydice before she dies again, cut up the Romaine lettuce, refrigerate it, and melt butter for the corn on the cob. The chicken and corn should be ready soon after Orfeo sings the famous aria, “Che farò senza Euridice? J’ai perdu mon Eurydice.”

Set the table, get the salad and melted butter, pour another glass of wine, and dine on your meal, just as Orfeo and Eurydice get together again. Perhaps you’ll be singing Trionfi Amore at the end of the meal and the opera.

Bon Appetit!

~Lilly Gibson, KMFA Announcer

You can hear Lilly Gibson on Saturday afternoons, as she hosts KMFA’s Saturday Matinee from 12 noon until 5 pm.

Newly Discovered Mozart!

Mozart partiesThe International Mozarteum Foundation announced last week that that they possess two previously undiscovered piano pieces by Mozart. They’re being secretive about the details right now, but reveal more details next week when pianist Florian Birsak performs the pieces on in Mozart’s own pianoforte in his hometown of Salzburg.

The Salzburg-based International Mozarteum Foundation said yesterday that the piano pieces have been identified as works composed by Mozart in his youth. Read more about it here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8165645.stm

The Happy Harpsichord at the Armstrong Community Music School

a Portuguese Harpsichord, dated 1789

(an 18th-Century Harpsichord)

posted by Dianne Donovan, KMFA Announcer

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of attending an entertaining harpsichord concert/lecture by Keith Womer (director of La Follia Austin). Mr. Womer performed works by Bach, Froberger, Couperin, and Scarlatti, as well as modern works by Locklair and Angle, at the Armstrong Community Music School’s Preece Recital Hall.

He expounded on such details as ideal acoustics, how and why a harpsichord will “prefer” a particular room or hall, as well as common misconceptions: although it resembles a piano, it behaves more like a guitar, because the strings are plucked, not hammered.  Overall it was a very enjoyable and enlightening demonstration! Keith Womer’s enthusiasm for the instrument is positively infectious and was reflected in his fine performance.

If you missed out on last Sunday’s concert, check out this Sunday’s program, wherein  Keith Womer and Don Simons, both esteemed harpsichordists, will join efforts in “Music for Two Harpsichords,” including works by Buxtehude, Bach, Handel, Couperin, and Rameau. The performance will be at the Preece Recital Hall, Armstrong  Community Music School, and the concert begins at 4pm.

Film Score Focus welcomes newest fan

Samantha, FIlm Score Focus's newest fan

KMFA listener, Kevin S., emailed us to let us know about the recent arrival of his baby daughter Samantha. “Sam” was born on June 3rd, 2009, weighing 8 pounds/10 ounces. According to Kevin, she was brought into the world hearing Brian Satterwhite’s program Film Score Focus, specifically the episode titled Born to Film Music. 

Kevin writes, “It is still one of my favorite compilations of classical music to relax to … and my wife loved it, and the hospital staff commented on it every time they came in the room.”

Brian responded, “I have to say this may win the award for greatest compliment ever. When I put the show together I always hoped somebody might possibly have it in the room while their children were born, but I can’t say I ever thought it would actually happen! Thank you, and congratulations!”

For those of you wondering what all the Film Score excitement is about, you can tune in to Brian Satterwhite’s show, Film Score Focus, on Saturdays at 10am and 7pm, on KMFA Classical 89.5.

~Alison (also a FSF fan!)

The Eroica Trio performs here in Austin

EroicaTrioThis past Sunday, I was fortunate to have acquired tickets to The Eroica Trio… they performed a stunning concert at Bates Recital Hall, UT Butler School of Music, as part of The Austin Chamber Music Festival. I really enjoyed the colorful and varied program that showcased both the talents of the individuals as well as the group’s uncanny sense of “oneness.” The highlight for me was the Piano Trio no. 1 by Edouard Lalo with it’s achingly beautiful “romance/andante” movement. Now I realize why this trio is one of the most sought-after in the classical music world.

Just another reason why it’s great to be a classical music fan living in Austin, Texas!

~Dianne Donovan

In celebration of Brahm’s birthday

Bion Tsang and Anton Nel

Bion Tsang and Anton Nel

Austin’s own Bion Tsang, cellist and Anton Nel, pianist celebrated Brahms’ birthday with a first-of-its-kind performance of Johannes Brahms four Hungarian Dances.  Usually listeners will recognize the violin as the focal instrument, however, Bion Tsang transcribed the classic work to cello.

We’re certain if Brahms were around today he would be delighted to hear this new version of Hungarian Dances.

Happy Birthday, Johannes Brahms!
Judy Watts, Development Coordinator