Bonn General Anzeiger: (Eley’s) colorful and nuanced clarinet playing here as in the other works was very pleasantly displayed.

World Music from the Beethovenfest

Love Songs Without Words
by Claudia Wallendorf

Bonn General Anzeiger

29 September 2015
 

Music by African-American composers is largely unknown on this side of the Atlantic. To change that, Marcus Eley (clarinet), Jerome Wright (cello) and Lucerne DeSa (piano) in the program of the Beethoven Festival appeared as a “musical ambassador” of the United States. In the very well attended DHL Post Tower, they were on the series 'Chamber music of the worlds' performing compositions by Undine Smith Moore, William Grant Still, Dorothy Rudd-Moore, Alvin Batiste, Todd Cochran, Quincy Hilliard and David N. Baker.

A “musical grab bag” recital, which often resembled film music, late-romantic sounds of great melodies encompassing chromaticism with strong ties to Jazz.

As a tribute to Beethoven was the 'Gassenhauer Trio' on the program. The interpretation was not at first entirely even but soon it became increasingly straightforward.

William Grant Still’s “Romance”- a love song without words - left a strong impression. Originally for Alto saxophone, Eley's arrangement for clarinet and piano was performed well. Pianist DeSa proved ever an ideal companion. She provided precision and energetic accentuation. In the 'Duo for Clarinet and Cello' by David Baker, cellist Wright demonstrated versatility, most notably in the refinement of his piano-like passages.

(Eley’s) colorful and nuanced clarinet playing here as in the other works was very pleasantly displayed.