DESCRIPTION:
The Moran Woodwind Quintet’s November 13 recital contained three contrasting works: a staple of the early Romantic literature, a modern classic, and a jazz-inspired closer. Known as the father of the woodwind quintet, Bohemian composer Anton Reicha was a professor at the Paris Conservatory and a contemporary of Beethoven, and is most remembered for his 24 woodwind quintets, with which he hoped to rival works for string quartet. French Canadian composer Jacques Hétu wrote his quintet to celebrate the centennial of Canada, in 1967. A very compact, neo-classical work in four movements, the work’s themes return to provide unity. Jim Parker’s Mississippi Five celebrates jazz and blues greats King Oliver, Johnny Dodds, and Bessie Smith, and depicts a riverboat (complete with steam whistle) and closes with a nod to Louisiana’s Cajun tradition.

-Program-


Quintet in c minor, op. 91, No. 6 Anton Reicha
Marcia, Poco adagio—Allegro vivace (1770-1836)
Larghetto
Menuetto: Vivace
Finale: Allegro assai

Pause

Quintette, op. 13 Jacques Hétu
Adagi--Allegro molto (1938-2010)
Vivace
Adagio
Lent--Allegro con brio

Mississippi Five for Wind Quintet Jim Parker
King Oliver Steps Out (b. 1934)
Blues for Johnny Dodds
The River Queen
Le Tombeau de Bessie Smith
Les Animaux

Webcast: November 13, 2014, Westbrook Recital Hall