That’s right! Our recent performance at the Bradford School of Music Faculty Concert (where Helen teaches) featured guest artist bassist Randy Wong, or as some students call him, “Mr. Helen!” With this unusual combination of string instruments, we played a nice rendition of Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz, which was originally written for either solo cello or violin.
It’s such a beautifully written piece that will erase all darkness, lift spirits and bring hope to all. There is just something about American music with its use of open strings, intervals, and harmonies that is attractive and uplifting to the ears and heart. Some of my favorite American composers include Copland, Corgliano, and Ives; they each have their own American idiom and compositional language, but there are many traits they all have in common with each other as well. As performers, it is our duty and desire to communicate the style of the composer, and in this piece, we shall continue to work towards achieving that sense of peace and calmness that is so tangible in performance especially for this piece. Hopefully that will transcend itself to the audience and as we let the music unfold through meditation and prayer….
