Tuesday, October 27, 2009

DePauw Percussion Ensemble Performs Afro-Cuban Composer Amadeo Roldán's 'Ritmicas' Oct. 29


[TOP: DePauw Percussion Ensemble BOTTOM: Centenario Natalicio de Amadeo Roldan (Centennial of Birth of Amadeo Roldan); Cuba Stamp 2000]

DePauw.edu
DePauw University
Greencastle, Indiana
“Percussion Ensemble to Explore 'Fascinatin' Rhythm' in Thursday Concert
October 27, 2009, Greencastle, Ind. — Who does rhythm better than percussionists? "Fascinatin' Rhythm" is the theme of the DePauw Percussion Ensemble's concert this semester, which will be presented this Thursday evening, October 29, at 7:30 pm in Kresge Auditorium of the Green Center for the Performing Arts.

“The program consists of works that explore the rhythmic element in percussion music. Two works are of historical importance in the development of the percussion ensemble as a major genre in the twentieth century. The Rítmicas by Amadeo Roldán were composed in 1930 and are the first composed works for percussion ensemble. Roldán, a Cuban composer, integrated traditional Afro-Cuban percussion instruments with more classical elements. Pulse, composed in 1939 by Henry Cowell, reflects this important experimental composer's exploration of rhythm and unusual sound sources -- automobile brake drums, metal pipes, rice bowls, and Asian instruments such as temple gongs.

“Also on the program will be a more contemporary work by Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina, Am Anfang was der Rhythmus ("In the Beginning There Was Rhythm"), composed in 1984. Gubaidulina is one of the world's major composers, and is known for the mystical and dramatic qualities of her music, along with her use of improvisation and unusual instrumental sounds. Two junior percussion majors will be featured as soloists. Bridget Parker will invoke the gods of rhythm in a djembe piece by Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic, and Rebekah Woolverton will be the timpani soloist in the Gubaidulina piece. The performance will also include an unusual arrangement of the Gershwin favorite Fascinatin' Rhythm, and a newly-composed bucket-drumming piece by first-year percussion major Patrick Speranza.” [Full Post] [Amadeo Roldán was an Afro-Cuban composer, violinist, conductor and professor who is profiled at AfriClassical.com]
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