Watch the live stream or recording of this Noon Concert here.
Portland State University's Dr. Chuck Dillard (piano) and Dr. Sean Fredenburg (saxophone) are joined by University of Idaho's Dr. Javier Rodriguez (bassoon) for a performance of two works for Bassoon, Saxophone, and Piano by composers Don Freund and Cindi Hsu.
Louder than Words (2001), a trio for alto saxophone, bassoon, and piano, addresses the joys and conflicts of the emerging 21st century in a “stream-of-consciousness” form. There is really one accumulating flow of time, divided into 2 “parts” for manageability.
Part One begins with a driving ritornello, followed by a section marked “restless” built around a surging fast triple-time rhythmic motive. The ritornello returns in a truncated form, followed by a quietly lyric transition to an f-minor waltz tune. The peace which follows the closing full cadence of this section is rudely interrupted by an interpolation from Mozart’s K. 466 Piano Concerto (possibly offered to give some historical validity to the concept of continuity by intrusion — Mozart used this material in the same intrusive way). The ensuing distortion of this material becomes a return of some previously agitated material, leading to a sudden, enigmatic close to Part One.
Part Two begins with a section marked “frazzled” (sort of a cat-fight for two saxophones with piano commentary), eventually straightening out into a pairing of the saxophones in conga-flavored licks. This builds to a three-measure cataclysm which actually appears three times, each time leading to a different result. The first non-sequitur is a g-minor unison hard boogie breakout; the second is a rollicking troubadorish melody — a surprising final destination for all the accumulated momentum. The final appearance of the cataclysm introduces a cathartic return of the f-minor waltz tune, which is not quite the last thing heard — the piano closes with a short, ghostly allusion to the beginning ritornello.
Cindi Hsu’s music is noted for its richness in color, expressive melodic lines, and open sincerity. Her music inspires to capture the essence of true human emotions and feelings, expressing wit and a sparkling sense of humor at times, as well as the capacity for expressions of deep pathos. Her “storytelling” composition style was instilled in her early childhood, as she loved the spur-of-the-moment bedtime stories that her father made up and told her each night.
In her own words:
“Metamorphosis (2023) has a mystical reference for me as the music traverses a series of dynamic transformations and dramatic forms.”
The Noon Concert Series is a weekly opportunity to experience the sounds of the PSU School of Music & Theater. Join us on Thursdays during fall, winter, and spring terms for a diverse program of concerts featuring students, faculty, and special guests.
See the full Noon Concert schedule at pdx.edu/music-theater/noon-concert.
Learn more about the School of Music & Theater.