Greetings! The Cochran-Wrenn Duo will be performing at Gore Place in Waltham, MA on Wednesday, July 17th at 7:30 pm. Gore Place is a beautiful, federal period mansion that was the former estate of Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore. It is considered by many architectural historians to be "the most significant Federal period mansion in New England." They host many musical events, including a summer concert series, which takes place in the restored barn on the grounds. Needless to say, we are very excited to be playing as part of it!
For this concert, Bonnie and I wanted to feature music that combines other elements of culture, tradition and art with classical music. We decided to focus on our own side of the world, with the program "Fusion: Music of the Americas." The program will feature the following composers and works:
Merlin and Piazzolla are both Argentinian composers, with Piazzolla being widely regarded as the most significant composer of the traditional Argentinian dance, the tango. Histoire du Tango is a four movement work that follows the dance from its humble, rustic beginnings to its place in the contemporary concert music of today. Merlin's Progressiones Para Pauline is a piece written for a dear friend of the composer during her last moments of life. It features many elements of traditional Argentinian folk music.
The Bachianas Brasilieras are an homage to Bach, in which Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos combines Baroque techniques with the traditional sounds of his native Brazil.
Although Ravel and Ibert are European composers, these two works in particular pay homage to South American musical traditions. Castelnuovo-Tedesco is also a European born composer, but his music contains a great deal of influence from US culture. He was an Italian Jew who fled to the US to escape Mussolini's fascist regime. Upon arriving in this country, he worked for many years in Hollywood, scoring for movies and being immersed in American culture. Due to this experience, his music has a strong influence of Hollywood and Broadway, making it sound very American.
All of this should lead to a fun and exciting program, on which we hope will be a beautiful summer evening. Hope to see you there!
For this concert, Bonnie and I wanted to feature music that combines other elements of culture, tradition and art with classical music. We decided to focus on our own side of the world, with the program "Fusion: Music of the Americas." The program will feature the following composers and works:
- Jose Luis Merlin - Progressiones Para Pauline
- Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - Sonatina for Flute and Guitar, Op. 205
- Heitor Villa-Lobos - Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5
- Maurice Ravel - Piece en forme de habenara
- Jacques Ibert - Entr'acte
- Astor Piazzolla - Histoire du Tango
Merlin and Piazzolla are both Argentinian composers, with Piazzolla being widely regarded as the most significant composer of the traditional Argentinian dance, the tango. Histoire du Tango is a four movement work that follows the dance from its humble, rustic beginnings to its place in the contemporary concert music of today. Merlin's Progressiones Para Pauline is a piece written for a dear friend of the composer during her last moments of life. It features many elements of traditional Argentinian folk music.
The Bachianas Brasilieras are an homage to Bach, in which Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos combines Baroque techniques with the traditional sounds of his native Brazil.
Although Ravel and Ibert are European composers, these two works in particular pay homage to South American musical traditions. Castelnuovo-Tedesco is also a European born composer, but his music contains a great deal of influence from US culture. He was an Italian Jew who fled to the US to escape Mussolini's fascist regime. Upon arriving in this country, he worked for many years in Hollywood, scoring for movies and being immersed in American culture. Due to this experience, his music has a strong influence of Hollywood and Broadway, making it sound very American.
All of this should lead to a fun and exciting program, on which we hope will be a beautiful summer evening. Hope to see you there!
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