CSU-Pueblo Chamber Ensemble and University Orchestra

by Sam Cogburn, PPAG Reviewer

In the five years that I have been attending CSU-Pueblo as a music major, I have had the privileged opportunity of watching our department grow. Nothing I’ve experienced has led me to realize this growth in the department, more than the chamber ensembles and university orchestra concert at Hoag Hall on April 15th. We most certainly have come a long way in a few short years. Not only in the sheer number of students, (particularly in the strings category), but also in the level of artistry achieved. This is credit to our leaders in the music department, along with all the professors and private teachers, and particularly to Dr. Jacob Chi with the amazing job he has done with the orchestra program.

The first half of the concert consisted of four small chamber groups; two string quartets and two trios, all playing a single movement from larger works. The program started off nicely with a piece by Shostakovich, (a twentieth century Russian composer who wrote extensively for the string quartet). The group played very admirably, doing a great job with intonation especially considering the strange tonalities in the music and also some enjoyable solo work by each player at one time or another. This was followed by a short, delightful Schubert piece, and next a Minuet by Beethoven. Both groups delineated the sections quite well with good contrasts in style, although struggled slightly in places with intonation. The last small group to play ended with a lyrical and beautiful Andante by Tchaikovsky. The piece provided a contemplative end to the first half, played with high sensitivity. More presence from the first violinist in this last group was needed, along with a higher sense of phrasing and rubato, especially for the big cadences to end large sections.

After intermission, the university orchestra opened with the Overture to the opera Magic Flute. The orchestra director Dr. Jacob Chi provided the audience with insightful introductions to the pieces throughout the night, and was in fine form when leading the group. I had the privilege of studying conducting privately with Dr. Chi for a semester along with taking some required courses with him. It’s my belief that his artistry and musicianship as a conductor is of the highest level. He always moves effortlessly in ways that reflect the music beautifully without forgetting the technical aspects so that the group is able to follow him. Couple this with his oversized personality and it makes for a great leader.

Perhaps the highlight of the evening came in the next two pieces when first, Rebecca Phillips (violin) played the Allegro from a Mozart concerto followed by Lauren Bell (cello) playing two movements from a Vivaldi concerto. Still in high school, these two young ladies were the winners from the 2008 Southern Colorado Honor Orchestra Concerto Competition, and their playing demonstrated why. The Mozart played by Ms. Phillips was full of style and lyricism ending with a dazzling and lengthy cadenza. Ms. Bell opened with the slow movement (adagio) of her piece first, setting the profound tone of this work in Cm early, and then ended with a much more active Allegro ma non molto. Congratulations to both of these highly talented two young artists, it is really great to see this level of musicianship coming from the young people of our community.

Next came another piece by a smaller chamber group. It was the Aria from Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for Soprano and orchestra of violoncelli. Also joining the group were three double bass players, all led by Dr. Chi. CSUP music faculty member Barbara Beck sang the Soprano part. As a guitarist, I know this piece quite well as it was arranged for guitar and voice and is part of our standard repertoire. I was ecstatic when I saw it was on the program with its original instrumentation, something I had never heard before. It is a beautiful, romantic piece, with flowing melodic lines and lush harmonies. Ms. Beck was wonderful along with the principal cellist for this group, Stephanie Boese, who had extensive solo work with the melodic material, very pleasing indeed.

Before discussing the last piece, some of Dr. Chi’s recognitions to students should be noted. Concertmaster Erika Devins was recognized for her work and leading role in the orchestra, and also Theresa Richards (flute) and Daniel Smith (bass) were recognized for their achievements on their respective instruments and for their graduating status. Ms. Richards is planning on attending a school for flute playing in England with William Bennett in the near future, and Mr. Smith will be attending graduate school in Fort Collins this fall.

The last piece of the evening was the Carmen Suite No. 1 by Bizet. Taken from his 19th century opera, this music is light, fun, and certainly is a standard in the orchestra repertoire. The orchestra performed wonderfully, finishing with a crowd pleaser.

The full program on the night of the 15th was certainly an enjoyable one. Having attended a few orchestra concerts when I enrolled in school at CSUP five years ago, I am simply amazed at the development of our program. Congratulations to everyone involved!