For the first act of this episode, we’ve paired Steve Vacchi’s performance of music by Jean-Daniel Braun with Carol Stabile, Interim Dean of the Clark Honors College. For the second act, we’ll hear some music and thoughts from special guest Mark Gould, former co-principal trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera. Finally, Sarah Viens brings it home with a familiar song for the moment.
Orchestra Next wants to thank all of our musicians for hanging in there during this trying time. And we also wish to thank our supporters who have made this project possible. If you’d like to help support this project, please visit orchestranext.com.
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John Reynolds
Dec 11, 2020 -
This is a post-election celebration of learning to play music and enjoying its performance. The bassoon of Steve Vacchi is featured, with variations on Braun’s [c.1740 ] dances, sprightly comic and joyous. These are interspersed with comments about learning to play wind instruments – “how much air it takes!” – and a witty comparison between a trumpet mouthpiece and a bassoon double reed. Piccolo, flute and tuba get a nod as well.
Mark Gould talks of his career, consisting of both jazz and opera. Retired for nearly twenty years, he is writing a book about teaching. He gives us soaring jazz riffs on “When You Look Upon A Star” and tells us about other famous jazz musicians. Brian praises his deserving mentor.
Sarah Viens’ beautifully simple “Star Spangled Banner” concludes, celebrating the end of an especially traumatic election season.