Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert
The Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble performed an outstanding concert at the 12th WASBE International Conference on July 15, 2005. Based on the uniquely designed concert program, one knew this would be an unconventional experience.
The group opened the performance with a brass piece by Joseph Turrin titled Jazzalogue No. 1. The work was written in 1997 for the New York Philharmonic Brass section to perform on that orchestra's tour of Latin America. Jazzalogue No. 1. was a manic and propulsive display which set the tone effectively for the jazz-based progam to follow.
After the Turrin composition, the larger group arrived to the stage for Minton's Playhouse by James Syler. This work was extremely interesting and is based on bop lines in which this style of jazz was highly developed at the famous jazz club in Harlem. The overall spirit of the piece was captured with excellent execution by all members of the ensemble, but specifically by the featured saxophone quartet consisting of Debbie Webb (soprano), David Branter (alto), Val Crocker (tenor), and Ward Blair (Baritone).
The first half of the performance concluded with a world premiere performance of Caverns by Vancouver composer Fred Stride. The work was commissioned by the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble and featured tenor saxophonist David Branter. The composer states:
Caverns, a concert-like work for tenor saxophone and wind ensemble, deliberately sets out to combine aspects of concert band music and jazz. Having written a double concerto for jazz trumpet, jazz bass and orchesra, I felt that this time I would try to create a jazz concerto that included a relatively small amount of written material for the soloist to give the performer wide latitude to display creativity and technical prowess. Vaguely programmatic, Caverns represents an explorer (the solo saxophone) moving through wonderous caverns responding with wonders and fear to darkness and splendour.
David Branter did an outstanding job representing the intentions of the composer and performed at a high level of virtuosity during the open section towards the end of the composition.
After the intermission, Maestro Crompton led the ensemble through Awayday by Adam Gorb. Based on jazz rhythms and high-level technical lines in the woodwinds, the inclusion of the work was very effective in terms of pacing for the program as a whole. The members of the ensemble handled the demands of precision and rhythm extremely well.
The program concluded with the monumental Urban Requiem by Michael Colgrass. The saxophone quartet member from Minton's Playhouse returned to the stage to be featured on this composition. The work included a wide variety of styles and extremely high demands on the individual player throughout the entire ensemble.
Overall, the afternoon program by PSWE was a wonderful display of creative programming, spirited execution, and a true artistic approach to performance. High acclaim must be rewarded specifically to David Banter, the members of the saxophone quartet, and conductor Marc Crompton.
As usual, WASBE continues to host a wide variety of styles from the ensembles throughout the convention and the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble filled a void not explored yet this week. Bravo!!
©2005 WASBE