Music concert

(1) Performance date: October 4th 2018

(2) Describe the performance venue and stage setup:

The performance venue was held at the Staples Family Concert Hall in Central Michigan University. The set up of the stage was elegant and it was shaped like half hexagon. The walls were painted light wood color which made the performance to stand out. A grand piano was set up with about three chairs for the performers to use. The simple set up allowed the audience to clearly watch the performance without any distraction. I appreciated the simple set up because there was nothing to distract the eye from the real reason the audience gathered which was to see the talented artists. The stage set up also contributed to the event being colorful as well as attractive.

(3) Describe the type of group/ensemble performing as well as a brief reference to the overall musical presentation:

The main performer on the concert was Ivan Ascari, he was accompanied by a pianist Zhao Wan. Ivan Ascari, performed about four solos in the concert and in each of the sols he performed them from different portions in order he would be able to utilize the entire stage provided to him as well as to be able also to redirect the eyes of the audience. The solos they played are classified as the orchestra suites by Johann Sebastian Bach. Neil Mueller and Zhao Wang the pianist had a chance to perform to at different times, they also focused on providing the crowd with best music as well performance. When performing the two sonatas by Dmitri Shostakovich, the performers gathered in the middle of the stage in order to show that they were the center of attention in the concert hall. The overall musical presentation was professional, elegant, and moving. The performers clearly possessed God given talents and showcased their passion for Bach and Shostakovich music eloquently.

(3) Describe your expectation regarding this concert experience:

The expectation that I had regarding the concert was to have fun as well as to enjoy the performance. My expectation was fulfilled because I enjoyed the entire concert. The performance was so good that if I was asked I would not hesitate going to the show if it was to be redone. I appreciated the simple set up because there was nothing to distract the eye from the real reason the audience gathered which was to see the talented artists and the stage colors were so catchy. The overall musical presentation was professional, elegant, and moving. The performers clearly possessed God given talents and showcased their passion for Bach and Shostakovich music eloquently. The setting up of the stage also greatly contributed to the audience enjoying the concert even more.

Section II: Discussion of a song/piece you particularly enjoyed (25)

(1) Title of Piece: Preludiando

(1) Composer: Stefano Meloni

(2) Compositional period/Genre: 1963

(2) Performing Medium/Instrumentation: Cello Solo

(7) Discussyour overall impression of the selection you have chosen and why you enjoyed it:

My overall impression was positive towards the piece. The sound of the cello was uniquely beautiful individually. I once played the double bass as well as the cello when I was in high school. Listening to the beautiful sounds of the solo cello reminded me of the better days of my past. This piece inspired me to return home to my apartment and reminisce on the good memories from my days in high school. This emotional connection brought me joy as I reviewed pictures, videos, and letters from better days. When performing the two sonatas by Dmitri Shostakovich, the performers gathered in the middle of the stage in order to show that they were the center of attention in the concert hall. The overall musical presentation was professional, elegant, and moving. The performers clearly possessed God given talents and showcased their passion for Bach and Shostakovich music eloquently. The tempo is fairly quick throughout the duration of the piece. The quick tempo keeps the listener on their toes and eager for what will come next.

(12) Reference the musical aspects of the piece including a discussion/description of three musical elements you observed during the performance of this selection:

The timbre of the piece was uplifting, moving, and joyful throughout the song. By using these characteristics, the concert hall was filled with a sense of positivity and beauty. I observed the listeners around me and everyone appeared to be enchanted by the musical beauty filling our ears, minds, and hearts. The piece also begins with a high pitch. By using this musical element, the listener is informed that the mood of the piece will be light and airy rather than dark and scary as a low pitch might inform the listener. The tempo is fairly quick throughout the duration of the piece. The quick tempo keeps the listener on their toes and eager for what will come next.

Section III: Conclusion (10)

(3) Did you enjoy this concert experience – why or why not?

(3) Based on your expectations for this concert, how did the concert meet or disappoint those expectations?

(4) On a personal level, what will you take with you regarding this experience?

This concert experience was enjoyable because I was able to attend with some friends from class that I wouldn’t otherwise hangout with outside of the classroom. My expectation was fulfilled because I enjoyed the entire concert. The performance was so good that if I was asked I would not hesitate going to the show if it was to be redone. The sound of the cello was uniquely beautiful individually. The concert going experience is much more special when shared with people whom company I enjoy. After the concert, my group of friends was able to discuss the assignment and the concert as a whole. Four of us attended the concert together and now we all talk more outside of the classroom. Music is best appreciated when shared with others which made this a positive experience. The only negative part of the experience was the fact that I procrastinated on attending my second concert and thus was forced to go on an inconvenient day seeing as this was the last concert students could attend for a grade. The experience was not different from what I initially expected because my parents forced me to attend many similar concerts when I was a child. My grandmother loved the concert going experience and thus I was dragged along as a young child to enjoy the experience with her. She passed away back in 2007 but I think she would be proud of me for taking a music class and pursuing a career in the arts. Personally I have a lot to take from the concert its self on the other hand, regarding the experience of the concert I will take with me the new memories I made with my Music 114 classmates as well as hopefully be able to continue building a friendship with these people over the next few years at Central Michigan University. I also have a greater appreciation for instrumental music and its complexity because the piece also began at a high pitch. By using this musical element, the listener is informed that the mood of the piece will be light and airy rather than dark and scary as a low pitch might inform the listener. The tempo is fairly quick throughout the duration of the piece. The quick tempo keeps the listener on their toes and eager for what will come next. The concert provided me with an experience that will never fade in my memory.

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Section IV: Overall Presentation (5) *this section is completed by the grader of the review

Fair (1-2): Lacking in required content. Poor writing style for collegiate level. Responses vague and undeveloped.

Good (3-4): Good representation of required content. Good writing style for this collegiate level. Responses demonstrate good awareness and application of musical terminology.

Excellent (5): Excellent representation of required content. Excellent work for this level of collegiate writing.Responses are insightful and developed in content.