Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra to present chamber concert

On Jan.21, the Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra will present a program of chamber music featuring wind instruments. The performance will be held in the Lee Hall Auditorium, on Mississippi State University’s campus, at 7:30.

In his comments on the concert, Richard Human, conductor for the show, added that “Chamber music is a powerful tool in the growth of every musician. In chamber music, each artist brings a unique voice to a performance.”

Chamber music can be defined as instrumental music, played by a small ensemble with one player to a part. The word ‘chamber’ implies a small room where guests are invited to listen to musicians. The ensemble generally consists of nine players, with strings being the most dominant group, but could also consist of wind instruments. Chamber music is believed to have begun in the 18th century when Haydn performed his first Chamber piece. Other classic composers would follow suit.

The ensemble will begin with Franz Krommer’s “Octet-Partita in B-flat” complete four movements. This Czech composer is least known for his chamber pieces, but gained popularity during the 19th century with his clarinet compositions.

French composer Charles Francois-Gounod’s “Petit Symphony” will be performed next in its complete four movements for nine players. Gounod is better known for his twelve operas he composed, with “Faust” being his most famous.

The ensemble will end with Anton Dvorak’s “Serenade for Winds in D Minor”. It was after attending the performance of Mozart’s “Serenade for Winds” that Dvorak started work on his own winds composition, reportedly finishing it in 14 days.

Richard Human is associate professor of trombone at Mississippi State University where he teaches trombone and conducts the MSU Trombone Troupe. All Starkville/MSU Symphony Concerts are free and open to the public.