This Tuesday the Hartt School’s contemporary chamber ensemble Foot in the Door performed four pieces in honor of the late Luigi Nono, on his 100th birthday. A renowned 20th century Italian composer, he was known for his Avant-garde compositions. His featured piece, Polifonica – Monodia – Ritmica, highlights the percussion section, and has heavy Afro-Brazilian influence.
Third-year doctoral conducting student John J. “Rusty” Koenig opened the night with Arvo Pärts, Pari Intervallo. featuring dancer Felicia Isotti. at face value, this piece feels straightforward. The true beauty of it, however, is brought to life by the visual inclusion of dance.
The third piece conducted by first year doctoral conducting student Jacob Bender, Concertino for Clarinet, Violin, Harp, Celeste, and Strings, featured clarinetist Ayako Oshima and Elijah Bui on violin. Ayako is the clarinet professor at The Hartt School, SUNY Purchase and The Juilliard School.
The ensemble concluded the night with a piece by George Rochberg, Octet: A Grand Fantasia. conducted by First year doctoral conducting student Jacob Bender, this piece features eight separate wind and string instruments. This piece was chosen intentionally, as a nod to the late director of bands, Glen Adsit, as it was a piece he wished to premiere at the Hartt school.
The Hartt school, once again, demonstrated its mastery over modern, atypical pieces with attention to detail, and precision that would impress. Director of bands James E. Jackson III recently stepped into the position, and quickly displayed his expertise and ability to lead a successful ensemble.
If you are interested in seeing more performances by the Hartt school, stop by the Lincoln theater Friday, November 15th at 7:30 to see the Hartt Orchestra, or Saturday, November 16th at 7:30 for the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band.
