Oakwood Chamber Players

press release: The Oakwood Chamber Players continue their 2017-2018 season series “Journey” with a concert titled Sojourn on Saturday, March 10, at 7:00pm and Sunday, March 11, at 2:00pm. The concerts will both be held at the Oakwood Center for Arts and Education, 6209 Mineral Point Road.  

Suite Orientale for flute, cello and piano by French composer Mel Bonis was written in 1900. The piece captures the essence of French impressionism that would have influenced her in her early studies at the Paris Conservatory. The opening Prelude melodically evokes the essence of a voice lifted in a call to prayer. Danse D’Almées conjures up lithe and energetic dancers in contrasting forms of celebration. The sultry final dance movement, Night Watch, creates drama with its cascading accompanying lines and sinuous melodies.

Presto in C for string quartet was written at the start Arnold Schoenberg’s career when he was in his early twenties and yet to begin his exploration of serialism. Elements of influential composers from his formative listening such as Dvorak, Beethoven and Brahms can be heard in this delightful composition. The energy and verve of this single movement work with its driving rhythms and deft treatment of melodic themes makes for lively performances.

One of the most popular and performed composers of his time, German composer Heinrich Hofmann wrote his Octet for string quartet, flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon in 1883. Beautiful melodies shine throughout this substantial four-movement work. Each instrument is written in a characteristic way and the composer has a sure hand for varying textures to showcase a range of expressive ideas. From the charming opening allegro molto to a flowing Andante Sostenuto to the baroque flavored Gavotte and finishing with a spirited Allegro vivo finale this piece is crafted with artistry.

Multi-talented British composer, poet, writer, and pianist Cyril Scott wrote over 400 pieces of music, essays on the paranormal, alternative medicine, published multiple volumes of poetry, and premiered his Piano Concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra.  He studied with Englebert Humperdinck and held to his Romantic style of composition throughout his career. He wrote the Cornish Boast Song for piano trio in 1931. It is a brief shimmering sketch of the natural world and the waters around the Cornwall coast of England.

Felix Mendelssohn wrote his Concert Piece, opus 113 for clarinet, basset horn and piano in 1832 to perform with friends who were talented clarinetists and instrument makers. As basset horns are not commonly used in modern chamber music, the bassoon is used alternatively in this arrangement. The principal theme is drawn from a popular melody of the period titled “The Battle of Prague”. It is a single movement work with three short sections that include expansive melodic gestures and showy technical virtuosity.

Guest instrumentalists are Joseph Ross, piano, Neil Gopal, violin and Emma Cifrino, viola. Oakwood Chamber Players members are Marilyn Chohaney, flute, Nancy Mackenzie, clarinet, Amanda Szczys, bassoon, Anne Aley, horn, Leyla Sanyer, violin and Maggie Darby Townsend, cello.

This is the fourth of five concerts in the Oakwood Chamber Players’ 2017-2018 season series entitled Journey. Remaining concerts will take place on May 19th and 20th.

The Oakwood Chamber Players are a group of Madison-area professional musicians who have rehearsed and performed at Oakwood Village for over 30 years. Tickets may be purchased with cash or personal checks at the door: $25 general admission, $20 seniors and $5 students. Visit www.oakwoodchamberplayers.com for more information.