Although I fantasize of being a skilled violin player, wearing a floor-length gown and playing with my eyes closed in front of hundreds of people, I have never touched a stringed instrument before. I didn’t know the difference between a cello and a bass until a few hours ago (the cello is smaller, one octave higher and must be played sitting down), and despite my appreciation for classical music, I have little experience with it. I’m not a music student, but none of that stopped me from fully enjoying my time at the music faculty showcase.
The lights dimmed last Friday at 7:30 in Evans Hall as Professor Linda Skernick took a seat in front of her harpsichord. The music professor’s rendition of Bach’s “Prelude and Fugue in Eb Major” caught the audience’s attention. No one dared to speak during Professor James McNeish’s breathtaking performance of “Capriccio Arabe” composed by Franciso Tarrega for fear of missing a single impassioned note. Next up was “Petite Suite,” a dynamic duet played by pianists Kumi Ogano and Patrice Newman, originally by Claude Debussy. The first half of the showcase concluded on a triumphant note with a Giuseppe Verdi piece performed by Jurate Svedaite-Waller and Maksim Ivanov, both adjunct professors and established opera singers.
After intermission, a group of professors performed Igor Stravinsky’s “The Solidier’s Tale” complete with bassoon and contrabass, in addition to violin, trombone, clarinet, trumpet and percussion. A brief reception followed the concert, where performers could mingle with the audience. I personally felt a strong sense of community as I listened and applauded with people of all ages, talents and abilities.
It is quite impressive that we have such talented musicians employed as professors here at Conn, but the fact that a whole night was dedicated to them sharing this talent with our community is something to be thankful for. Jessie Durning ’16, a member of the student orchestra said, “As a music student, it’s really special and motivating for me to see what my professors can do.” Everything from the display of talent to the seamless flow of the performance secured confidence in what the music department has to offer as a learning environment.
Why did the faculty decide to open with Johann Sebastian Bach? Although I can’t tell for sure, I would venture to say it has something to do with the fact that Bach was not only a player, but a teacher as well. Like our professors here, he was a music lover first and foremost. Professors that truly enjoy their work instill a passion in their students, which not only makes them better musicians, but also ensures that they will continue to appreciate music well into their futures. Ending with a Stravinksy piece was also a well thought-out choice, due to his continuous desire to learn and improve himself — a key component of a liberal arts education.
The “Bach to Stravinksy” showcase was a way for students to connect with their instructors, and for instructors to inspire their students and fellow faculty members. Another music faculty showcase will be taking place in early February. As of now, I still don’t know very much about classical music. What I do know, however, is that there is a lot to look forward to this year from the Connecticut College music department, so keep your ears open.
Always a pleasure to attend concerts at Connecticut College! Wish I would have been able to attend this one! Glad that the local press is so supportive of the arts events that occur and that are so often taken for granted.