LAKEPORT >> Soper Reese Theatre presented the second performance of the “La Voce Del Vento” chamber music series on Feb. 15 at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport. Produced by Ann Hubbard, the celebration which highlighted the bassoon, brought a newfound appreciation of the oft overlooked low mellow tones of this woodwind instrument.
The bassoon quartets on the program featured the talents of Ann Hubbard, Eva Kidwell, Julie Matteucci and Beverley McChesney who performed the music of John Phillip Sousa’s “The Liberty Bell March” (arrangement by Mark Benson), Scott Joplin’s “Gladioulus Rag” (arranged by David Whitehouse), Grieg’s “March of the Dwarves” (arranged by Malcolm Pearce) and Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns” (arranged by Matteucci). The latter was a perfect framework for the somber and melancholy sound of the bassoon.
The audience was honored to be part of the world premier performance of a bassoon concerto for small orchestra composed by Jeffrey Ives of Lake County. The initial movement, Poco Allegretto Scherzando celebrated the past. A lively piece took listeners to their own pasts as the bassoon led us from memory to memory. The second movement, Poco adagio: Prestissimo, represented the present and glided from day to day, invoking the safety of the moment. Rounding out the concerto, the final movement, Allegro con Spirito, was by far the shining star. The audience found themselves transported to the future and to the twirling, excitement of dreams, wishes and hopes we all hold dear. It certainly left everyone one of us looking forward to hearing what Ives has in store for us in the future. Bassoon soloist Hubbard brought each movement to life and allowed each one of the listeners to become part of Ives’s memories, past, present and future, as well as giving the listener a new appreciation of the bassoon.
The La Voce Del Vento chamber players filled the afternoon with excellent renditions of classic pieces including Beethoven’s Septet in Eb major, op. 20. The work, led skillfully by violinist Tammy Dwyer, was as entertaining as it was captivating. Dwyer’s skill and passion were easily felt by all present and the final note of the final movement, Andante con moto alla Marcia, left this writer wanting more, much more.
Rounding out the classical pieces was Franz Berwald’s Stor Septett for violin, viola, cello, bass, clarinet, bassoon and horn. Written in 1819, the piece is a true work of chamber music. The flowing notes and the harmony of the instruments was relaxing and enthralling at the same time.
The next La Voce del Vento performance will be Sunday at 3 p.m. The third installment of the series will feature a woodwind quintet and will include the works of Nielsen, Hindemith, Milhaud and Persichetti.
