The Hamilton College Orchestra, conducted by Heather Buchman, presents the fifth annual Brainstorm! concert on Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m. in Wellin Hall on the Hamilton College campus. This concert, titled American Generations, explores the development of American musical style from the mid-19th century to the present, with three selections representing snapshots of three very different points along the evolution of an American style. The goal of this program is to begin to explore the historical and stylistic ranges of the music of our country.
The first piece, Dudley Buck's "Festival Overture on the American National Air (Star Spangled Banner)," comes from 1868. American compositions from that time are rarely heard in concert halls. It's a well-crafted piece with perfect counterpoint. Buck's style is thoroughly rooted in classical European technique.
The second piece, Aaron Copland's suite from his film score "The Red Pony," dates from 1948. It epitomizes the mid-20th century populist American style that Copland actually picked up from his contemporary Virgil Thompson. Red Pony Suite has the same qualities of directness, energy and optimism that are associated with his more familiar pieces, Rodeo and Appalachian Spring.
Finally, the HCO performs a piece by one of the most successful American composers under 50, Michael Torke's "Run." Torke shows early influences from pop music and minimalist composers Steve Reich and John Adams, and has developed a varied compositional voice that simultaneously encompasses both energy and lyricism.
This concert is free and open to the public. For more information call the box office at 859-4331or visit www.hamiltonpa.org.
The first piece, Dudley Buck's "Festival Overture on the American National Air (Star Spangled Banner)," comes from 1868. American compositions from that time are rarely heard in concert halls. It's a well-crafted piece with perfect counterpoint. Buck's style is thoroughly rooted in classical European technique.
The second piece, Aaron Copland's suite from his film score "The Red Pony," dates from 1948. It epitomizes the mid-20th century populist American style that Copland actually picked up from his contemporary Virgil Thompson. Red Pony Suite has the same qualities of directness, energy and optimism that are associated with his more familiar pieces, Rodeo and Appalachian Spring.
Finally, the HCO performs a piece by one of the most successful American composers under 50, Michael Torke's "Run." Torke shows early influences from pop music and minimalist composers Steve Reich and John Adams, and has developed a varied compositional voice that simultaneously encompasses both energy and lyricism.
This concert is free and open to the public. For more information call the box office at 859-4331or visit www.hamiltonpa.org.
