We continue our exploration of Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” in a conversation with ROCO clarinetist Maiko Sasaki (click here for the first part). Q: Any specific narratives that help you perform your part with more emotional thrust? Maiko Sasaki: This piece was written for a unique combination of instruments: Clarinet, violin, cello and piano. That’s because the…
Archives for November 2015
A haunting experience: Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” needs to be experienced live
Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” isn’t casual listening. It’s a work that changes people’s relationships to art’s ability to change paradigms through emotional experiences. In fact, an emotional experience is why ROCO clarinetist Maiko Sasaki suggested that the ensemble include a performance of the seminal work in its Unchambered Series. Q: Messiaen’s quartet is…
Drama and momentum build through beauty and strangeness: Shakuhachi war or nice conversation?
We continue our chat with American composer James Matheson ahead of the premiere of his Concerto for Two Shakuhachi “The Age of Air.” The work marks the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra’s 50th world premiere, a joint commission with Kyo-Shin-An Arts. Q: Tell us a bit about the melodies and harmonies? James Matheson: For me, the craft of composing always…
Air for granted no more: East meets West in 50th world premiere that will take your breath away
Programming a concert is very personal for the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, and so is the emphasis on commissioning new works. To celebrate ROCO’s relationship with the Asia Society Texas Center, founder, artistic director and principal oboist Alecia Lawyer engaged Kyo-Shin-An Arts — an organization that’s dedicated to the integration of Japanese classical instruments in Western classical music…