Ouachita to host OBU Percussion Ensemble in concert Nov. 21
November 09, 2016
- Stephanie BellOuachita Baptist University will host the OBU Percussion Ensemble in concert on Monday,
Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be held in McBeth Recital Hall in Mabee Fine
Arts Center, located on Ouachita’s campus. The concert is free and open to the public.
The OBU Percussion Ensemble will perform six pieces, including two pieces based on
math and science and two pieces based on film and technology.
The concert will begin with “Fractalia” by Owen Conden. This piece is based on the
mathematical idea of fractals, meaning that each part has the same character as the
whole.
The concert will continue with Edgard Varese’s “Ionisation,” known as one of the first
percussion-only pieces ever written. It dates back to 1929. The piece is based on
the process in which an atom or molecule gains or loses an electron, which is musically
portrayed by lengthening and shortening musical motives.
“The piece is historically significant in the history of Western music and has so
many layers that we will begin with a demonstration of the different themes, ideas
and instruments used in the piece,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, director of the ensemble
and associate professor of percussion.
The next piece on the program is a free improvisation piece in which there are no
rules; each musician may play what they like on instruments of their choice with the
goal of creating a musical moment as a whole.
“This will be a terrific experience for the performers and audience because the music
we create will never be heard again, ever,” Lewis said.
The next selection, “Aybabtu” by N. Cameron Britt, was inspired by 1980s analog video
game music, so much so that it includes two electronic buzzers that are used rhythmically
throughout the composition. “Escape” by Drew Worden is also unique because it is written for six triangles. It was composed
to accompany the early experimental color film "Synchromy No. 4: Escape” by Mary Ellen
Bute, which will be played on a large screen behind the live performers. The closing
piece will be “Libertango” by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla.
For more information on the percussion ensemble, visit www.obu.edu/percussion or contact Dr. Ryan Lewis at [email protected] or (870) 245-5421.
By Stephanie Bell
November 9, 2016
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