Envision being surrounded by music that paints a picture of merriment, drama and sorrow. The UNC Charlotte Chamber Orchestra achieved this dynamic trio through their musical performance of Overture to Coriolan, Concerto in C Minor, Much Ado about Nothing, and Two Pieces from Henry V.
Dr. Jonathan Govias, Music Director, proves his capability to capture an audience by choosing four distinct musical combinations of Shakespeare that reflect the musical abilities of the orchestras. Dr. Govias' second performance of the night begins with the three part series of Alessandro Marcello’s Concerto in C Minor for Oboe. Oboist Dr. Elizabeth Sullivan enhances the light and airy feeling of Spicatto, while amplifying the celebratory sentiment of Presto and Adagio. These pieces have a steady rhythm, and align with two of the common themes of the show, merriment and drama. The oboe adds a unique variation of sounds that assists listeners in painting a picture of warmth.
The two pieces from Henry V, Passacaglia (The Death of Falstaff) and Touch her Soft Lips and Part, introduce the audience to a wide spectrum of emotions including darkness and love. Passacaglia has a slow-tempo that encompasses a dark and sad melody. The composition has a slow triple time with variations over a ground bass. While listening to Touch her Soft Lips and Part, audience members will be overcome with a soft, gentle melody. The melody tells a story of love and heartbreak, while conveying the emotion of calmness and acceptance. In these particular wide-ranging English music pieces, the use of strings are prevalent. The strings including the violin, viola, cello and bass bring these musical numbers to life by intriguing the listener.
The night concluded with Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s five part series of Much Ado About Nothing. Similar to both of William Walton’s pieces of Henry V, Korngold’s music also includes a wide-range variation of strings. It was the longest piece by the symphony orchestra but they did not disappoint. Overture to Coriolan by Ludwig van Beethoven proved to be the most frail of the four music compositions. Although this piece was not as strong in comparison with the others it set the tone for the show.
The UNC Charlotte Chamber Orchestra have distinguished themselves as much for their capability of presenting music from across the spectrum as contributing to the diversity of music. Their ability to entertain audiences with a wide scope of emotions and colors, and potential to paint pictures with their sounds, demonstrates their power to deliver an excellent performance.
