On Friday, I went to the final BMOP concert of the season. It was also the last event with their current composer-in-residence, Lisa Bielawa, whose music I have really enjoyed hearing these past three years.
Shock Diamonds - Geoffrey Gordon
I found this piece quite elusive to my ears. Mostly, it reminded me of the work of Earl Brown. Except for a part near the end that sounded very much like the "Danse des Adolescents" from Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.
Kick & Ride - Eric Moe
This piece for orchestra and drum set was pretty awesome. Unfortunately,there were some moments of aimlessness (mostly in the first movement). The best moments of the piece displayed a canny adaptation of jazz and rock elements to an orchestral medium. And Robert Schulz, the soloist, was incredible.
A Summer's Day - Lewis Spratlan
This programmatic piece had a wonderful surprise beginning, and then proceeded through a series of varied and evocative section. Overall it was inventive and fun. Plus, it featured the use of a basketball as a percussion instrument.
"..bisbigliando..." - Thomas Oboe Lee
This harp concerto was very neo-Romantic, in a late 19th century vein. It's not my favorite aesthetic, but this piece was rather attractive. The first movement was sprightly and tuneful, the second lush and soulful, and the third sprightly and driving.
In medias res, Concerto For orchestra - Lisa Bielawa
This two movement piece beautifully exploited contrasts between the full orchestra and smaller groups. It also contained a lot of truly delicious dissonances. The piece also reflected its title very well, giving the impression of weaving together of gestures and phrases that sounded like those found in the developmental or climactic sections.
Shock Diamonds - Geoffrey Gordon
I found this piece quite elusive to my ears. Mostly, it reminded me of the work of Earl Brown. Except for a part near the end that sounded very much like the "Danse des Adolescents" from Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.
Kick & Ride - Eric Moe
This piece for orchestra and drum set was pretty awesome. Unfortunately,there were some moments of aimlessness (mostly in the first movement). The best moments of the piece displayed a canny adaptation of jazz and rock elements to an orchestral medium. And Robert Schulz, the soloist, was incredible.
A Summer's Day - Lewis Spratlan
This programmatic piece had a wonderful surprise beginning, and then proceeded through a series of varied and evocative section. Overall it was inventive and fun. Plus, it featured the use of a basketball as a percussion instrument.
"..bisbigliando..." - Thomas Oboe Lee
This harp concerto was very neo-Romantic, in a late 19th century vein. It's not my favorite aesthetic, but this piece was rather attractive. The first movement was sprightly and tuneful, the second lush and soulful, and the third sprightly and driving.
In medias res, Concerto For orchestra - Lisa Bielawa
This two movement piece beautifully exploited contrasts between the full orchestra and smaller groups. It also contained a lot of truly delicious dissonances. The piece also reflected its title very well, giving the impression of weaving together of gestures and phrases that sounded like those found in the developmental or climactic sections.