As we all waited in line to go... free essay sample

As we all waited in line to go into the concert, there was a thrill of excitement in the air to see the performances; at The City College of New York. It was March 15th and the weather was moderate. As we gathered in the Shepard Hall there were many people seated and the performers were set on stage in formal attire. Although the place was packed, the feel of the atmosphere remained calm and relaxing. There was a pleasantness and ease about the whole performance. When the time came for the show to begin, everyone was at full attention and ready to be amazed. It was a very distinctive experience that was new to me but familiar to most. However, Professor Carey indulged the audience with her piercing vocals. The string quartet and pianist accompanied her with pieces composed by: Steven Rosenhaus, Ellen Mendel, Betty Rose and Duke Ellington. There were many different elements of music that I noticed that were being performed. We will write a custom essay sample on As we all waited in line to go or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The first piece, Madams Three Callers composed by Betty Rose accompanied by a cellist was a very confusing pieces due to the melodic lines switching at least 4 different ways. A feeling of the diatonic chords was non-existent in this distinctive piece. It seemed discordant to many, especially myself, which never heard this piece and had no understanding of the title. The composition of the pieces seemed confabulated as if there was so much to say but it was slit into different sections. At times, while listening it sounded as if the cellist strings were a bit unstable which made the melodic lines a bit obscure and left me quite puzzled. This composed piece by Betty Rose was in spired by the written work of Langston Hughes called Madams Calling Cards. Those who are used to listening to this type of music would understand the emotion within each section of each the piece. Each chromatic note reminded me of a piece I heard some time ago from a blue ban, but I could be wrong. There was a unique part where the cellist emulated the sound of a person knocking door by knocking the base of her cello, which was extraordinary. The notes increased in intensity when she slid her hands down the strings to change the chords. Although the intensity and the tempo increase, other characteristics of the music remain somewhat the same. We approached another piece by composer Steven Rosenhaus Thirteen Ways of looking at a Pigeon, another unique piece in textures of music. Professor Carey elaborated about the basics of this piece and awareness of Steven Rosenhaus perception on peculiar pigeons in nature. The transcendent concept of this piece gives a sense of eclectic musical ideas to the audience. The soothing opening movement of pianist and the string quartets synced together harmonically within the notes and created a graceful embellishment to the piece. As the movement came to an end the authentic beat was quite paradoxical within all movements, yet pleasing to ones ear but seemed unfinished. In the first movement the pleasant sounds of the notes were staccato. In the fifth movement Carey ended the piece but imitating the sounds of a pigeon by hooting. Each movement was surprisingly different in its own way. Within the eighth movement I noticed it was written in a minor key. The rhythm wasnt bad either, it felt like a piece Ive heard but they twisted it a bit. My imagination began to stir, and I realized that music of today are sampled from centuries ago and we think it is all new. On a whole, I really enjoyed the piece, it was different and the of the pianist and the string quartets performance were exquisite. The string captured the musical energy and was remarkable to hear and see. When it ended the audience stood and clapped in appreciation for the historical piece performed. Watching this concert was quite magical, from the beginning sounds to the harmonious finale, it invoked a wide range of feelings and emotions and appreciation for the beauty of sound. I had never had the chance to attend a classical concert before this and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed watching and listening to the pieces presented. If you turn off the stigmata of the words classical music and just listen and enjoy the beauty of the music, I think there are many people who would be surprised at how much they enjoy this music as well. I had a great experience and return with friends next time.