Kathryn Marmon, Reporter
GRANTS, NM – Musicians, like any other artist, may know more about their art form than the general public. They are involved, it is personal, they know the language. Their friends understand their interest and passion for the art, they form a community. But those interested in learning about the arts shouldn’t be intimidated because we are beginners. The recent musical series that have been, and are still being shown at the Cibola Arts Council, are so informative that after a single viewing, one will feel less intimidated, certainly more informed, and maybe on the road to pursuing music in his life as his passion.
The Council has shown a series about Leonard Bernstein and the Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra. This prestigious conductor and orchestra have shown great appreciation for young and rising artists. They have supported them, by working with them and providing a great boost to their careers.
The musical education continues with conductor, violinist Scott Yoo who has his own journey encouraging young musicians as part of a PBS “Great Performances” series, “Now Hear This”. The first of two series segments was shown last Friday, September 13. The composer Franz Schubert and his genius were the subjects of the video.
Learning what certain artists have had to endure so they could achieve their goals of self-expres- sion might be a challenge many people can understand. If so, the art of classical music will be less intimidating, and more human.
Sadly, this brilliant artist died at the early age of thirty-one in 1828. His accomplishments were hard-won. He didn’t have the advantages that many musicians and composers of his day might have known. He didn’t have a sponsor, nor a piano, he barely had a roof over his head. Is that what you would expect to hear about someone whose name today is admired and whose work is studied?
In this video, Scott Yoo travels to various cities to hear young, upcoming musicians play sonatas and poetry songs composed by Schubert. They are his age-peers, the same age as Schubert when he wrote the music.
Schubert is called the first of the romantic composers. His expressions are emotional, delicate, and complex in their lilting piano compositions. At age eighteen, his 1st piano sonata put him in the class of other great composers.
His art song, poetry set to music, “Gretchen am Spinnrade”, was the first presentation, and an education. The story behind the song is about a young girl who has a romantic encounter with Faust. The music presents her emotional journey as she sits at her spinning wheel.
Other work by the young composer is presented by ensembles of cellists, accompanied by singers, and violinists. Each of his pieces is beautiful yet heart-breaking because we know the difficulties of his short life, but he managed to share that beautiful soul through his passionate and determined spirit.
There will be another performance of “Now Hear This” on September 27th, “Becoming Mozart.” There is room for all and for a lively discussion about what we are learning at the Arts Council.