News

March 9, 2012 Rochester Oratorio Society—Program Notes by Katherine A. Clark

We’re singing about dancing this irresistibly energetic evening.  Our unique Spring program features a lighthearted and joyful mix of modern dance, familiar choral masterworks and instrumental chamber music.

Previously we were invited into Johannes Brahms’s Vienna flat along with visitors Charles Stanford and Hans Richter, both significant musicians in their own right. After the ice was broken over cigars, it became apparent that Brahms was friendly and engaging in spite of his reputation as a thirty-something, confirmed bachelor and somewhat of a recluse. One might even say he was a “regular Joe” piano player who, for a while, eked out a living by playing in sailor’s taverns and dancing saloons. He had published a few compositions, but his significant body of work lay ahead of him.

Two world-premiere performances of choreography by local artists grace the March 9 concert by the Rochester Oratorio Society.

This unique Spring program features a light-hearted and joyful mix of modern dance, familiar choral masterworks and instrumental chamber music. Special guests include: BIODANCE, directed by Missy Pfohl Smith; the Antara Winds, an ensemble of faculty artists from the Eastman School of Music, SUNY Geneseo and the Hochstein School of Music and Dance; and a trio of strings and piano led by Nazareth College artist Kevin Nitsch.

by Dave Kester

Did placekicker Billy Cundiff of the Baltimore Ravens lose his concentration thereby causing him to miss a 32-yard field goal attempt? He said "It's a kick I've kicked a thousand times in my career, the timing was just a little off." If this is indeed the case, he may take some comfort in the fact that he is not alone, as a lot of that has been going around in the current NFL playoff period. In the previous week, the vaunted Aaron Rodgers, quarterback of the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, undoubtedly lost his concentration several times leading to his loss to the NY Giants who are now bound for Indianapolis, the site of this year's Super Bowl, to meet the New England Patriots, the lucky beneficiaries of Cundiff's gift.

So often the simple act of focusing all of your faculties on the task at hand can make the difference between success and failure, between magnificence and mediocrity, between getting by and getting rewards. This actuality is particularly evident in any effort requiring the simultaneous coordination of mind and body. While the significance of concentration in achieving a championship performance is undeniable, its relative importance may vary from one endeavor to another. Obviously, long distance running does not require as high a degree of concentration as, say, pole vaulting or high jumping. Similarly, a buffalo chip tosser need not focus as intensely as a major league hurler. And where do you think choral singing ranks in this hierarchy of need for concentration? Why, it's right up there with neurosurgery and synchronized swimming!

by Dave Kester

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was said to have been a man who loved children, but was rather gruff and impatient when dealing with adults, including his musical peers. Among other composers with whom he was closely associated, however, he was quick to come to their defense upon hearing anyone speak ill of them.

Irish composer, teacher and conductor Charles Villiers Standford relates a visit to Brahms' Vienna apartment in the company of conductor Hans Richter, a long time friend of Brahms.