Newband Concert on September 2007

I attended the Newband concert on September 2007. At the Alexander Kasser Theater. The band was founded in 1977 by composer Dean Drummond and Stefani Starin. The program contain three of Varese's works and one of Partch work. Varese, (1883-1965) was born in Paris, then moved to New York City in 1915. Where he lived and worked the remainder of his lifetime. He was one of the greatest composer ever to live. Partch, (1901-1974) in the other hand was born in California. He spent much of his time traveling. In addition, Partch inventing his own orchestra of instruments.

The program began with a solo performance by flutist Stefani Starin. This instrument is part of the woodwind family. She convey a very smooth melody. The tempo began very Largo (Broad) and as it proceeded it evaluated into a more Vivace (Lively) rhythm. At often time Starin would close her eyes and concentrate on her instrument. I found this piece to be very interesting and heart warming. I also, noticed that it is from the twenty century.

The second part of Varese work was known, as the Octandre which is a n octet for seven winds and a double bass. This composition had a conductor leading thee musicians through. I found the piece to be polyphonic because it had different lines. They also began very Adagio (easy) where I found it to be calm. When as time pass it began to be Allegro (fast). Towards he end they formed together as one. I was also able to identify some instruments as they walked in such as the flute, horn, clarinet, and trumpet.

After the Octandre it was continued by an Integrales a composition with eleven winds and four percussion. This set had fifteenth musicians. It repeated most of the lines very. Very dynamics in how loud it sound. Moreover, made the audience became more enthusiasm and want to listen to more. They all worked together as one. I noticed some musicians tried to convey something through the way they play because of there facial expressions.

Finally, they ended the concert by a piece of Partch. It sounded from ancient time. They were constantly polyphonic with the lines. At times there was so much going on that I couldn't grasp most of the instruments. I found this piece to be very different from the pass ones, because we have not discuss or seen the instrument that were being presented. Moreover, because Partch invented these instruments so that made this piece become unique . At times, the sound that