A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HAITI
thoughts from mattie kaiser
At 9am on January 13th I got a voicemail from Emi saying "You know there was this horrible, horrible earthquake in Haiti, what if classical rev did a Haiti benefit somewhere?" I was immediately on it, calling and emailing everyone I knew that could help make a spectacular evening of music. In just nine days Toby, Emi and I were able to put together a standing room only concert at the Kennedy School that brought in $4000 for Partners in Health.
$4000 is twenty times more than any Classical Revolution PDX concert has ever brought in. I'm overwhelmed by the talent and enthusiasm of my friends, and the generosity of my friends of friends.
Here's what Andrea Murray of All Classical FM had to say about our event:
"Just last night, I attended a show in a packed auditorium at the Kennedy School where the chamber musicians of Classical Revolution PDX joined The Dimes, members of the Bach Cantata Choir, Matt Sheehy, James Faretheewell, Sophie Lux, and others for fundraiser that was as moving as it was entertaining. Not only did they raise some much-needed funds, they attracted an audience that was as diverse as any i've seen at a mostly classical program. From little kids, to 20-somethings to seniors, everyone seemed as enthusiastic about Barber's Adagio and movements from quartets by Dvorak and Schubert, as they did about The Dimes, one of Portland's most acclaimed indy-pop bands. This isn't something that happens in every city - classical music being played in casual settings, with pop musicians joining in, for multi-generational audiences. Thanks to Classical Revolution and their friends at Opera Theatre Oregon, Portland Cello Project and others for continuing to help grow the audience for live local music. And thanks to the many great rock, hip-hop and indy musicians who help them break boundaries. "
"Get by with the help of my friends" with the Dimes, Classical Revolution, and members of the Opera Theater Oregon and Bach Cantata choirs. (videos by Ralph Hansteen and Emily Franz with sound by Jeff Simmons)
Matt Sheehy and the Classical Revolution PDX String Quartet
Schubert Cello Quintet
SILENT AUCTION
january 24th 2010 at the kennedy school
We're delighted to have recieved over $3000 worth of donated goods and services for our auction to be held at the Kennedy School on January 24th at 7pm. All of the proceeds will be donated to Partners in Health. Here are some of the items you can look forward to winning!
Music
Filmusik, DVD and 2 Tickets
Classical Millennium CDs/DVDs
Opera Theater Oregon, 2 Tickets to Das Rheingold
Oregon Symphony Tickets, Sun May 16, Beethoven Festival
Chamber Music Northwest Tickets
NW Dance Project Tickets
Beauty & Health
Namaha - Reiki and Eclectic Healing Facilitation Reiki Treatment Certificate
Lara Triback Massage/Body Prajna Certificate
Rebecca Johnson Haircut
Jill Bishop Massage
Music Lessons
Piano/Voice: Anne Young, 2 private lessons/coachings
Beginner flute/recorder: Jan Groh, private lesson
Violin/fiddle: Kate O'Brien-Clarke, 3 private lessons
Violin: Lisa Hansen, Private Lesson
Miscellaneous Items
Blazer Tickets
Jan Groh Photograph
Barrington Coffee
Lucia Conrad Prints
Frame Drum
Rerun Gift Certificate
Hotlips Pizza
Wy'est Pizza
Professional Photo Shoot
Dig-Recording.com 20 hrs free studio recording + 50% discount on add'l 20 hrs
MurmurCreative.com 8 hours free web/print design work
HAITI BENEFIT CONCERT
january 24th 2010
On January 24th at 7pm at the Kennedy School, Classical Revolution PDX and friends will perform a free benefit concert to raise funds for relief in Haiti. 100% of donations received will go to Partners in Health. Classical Revolution is delighted to be joined by Matt Sheehy, Opera Theater Oregon, The Dimes, Sophe Lux, Travis Dow, James Faretheewell and many other special guests for a very eclectic and fun night of chamber music.
A silent auction will occur during the performance, with products and services donated by local artists and businesses. Items for auction include event tickets, fine photography, haircuts, massages, and many of the performers are donating private lessons.
Briana Ratterman, a member of Classical Revolution, has been working around the clock to help with the search for her father, Walt Ratterman, who has been missing since the earthquake. Ratterman is CEO and co-founder of SunEnergy Power International. He was in Haiti working on a project to improve the delivery of energy to health care facilities run by Partners in Health. “Our thoughts and love are with Briana and her family,” says Mattie Kaiser, Executive Director of Classical Revolution PDX. “We found it fitting to donate to the incredible work that that Walt and Partners in Health do to contribute to a better life in Haiti.”
Classical Revolution will perform chamber music by Dvorak, Schubert, and Barber’s “Adagio for Strings”. Opera Theater Oregon will perform music from Verdi’s “Requiem” with two of it’s finest soloists, Beth Madsen Bradford and Katie Taylor. OTO will also perform movements of Mozart’s “Requiem” with a full choir and string orchestra.
Portland singer Matt Sheehy, hailed as “a great uniter, with songs that can reach just about anyone with a keen melodic ear” by the Willamette Week, jumped at the chance to join forces with Classical Revolution. The Dimes, Travis Dow, James Faretheewell, Sophe Lux and members of Portland's Bach Cantata Choir will also donate their musical art to the relief of the people of Haiti.
SET LISTS
where did they go?
As of October 1st 2009, we are no longer posting set lists from our chamber jams. If you have a question about a piece that was performed, please email us for more information.
BACHXING DAY!
program details
All pieces by J.S. Bach unless otherwise noted:
"Quia Respexit" from Magnificat in D ~ Anna Kasakova, soprano and Anne Young, Piano
Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria" ~ Anna Kasakova, soprano and Anne Young, Piano
Sarabande from Cello Suite No. 1 ~ Adam Whiting, Cello
Allemande from Cello Suite No. 1 ~ Mattie Kaiser, Viola
"My Heart Ever Faithful" ~ Marty Hernandez and Laura Jáuregui, violins, Erin Lamb, viola, Betsy Goy, cello
Prelude to Cello Suite No. 5 ~ Adam Whiting, Erin Winemiller and Betsy Goy, celli
C.P.E. Bach Sonata in C minor for Recorder ~ Jan Groh, recorder and Liz Goodenough, Piano
*intermission*
Adagio from G minor Violin Sonata ~ Lucia Conrad, Violin
"Grosser Herr" from the Christmas Oratorio ~ Paul Sadilek, Bass and Adam Whiting, Piano
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 ~ CRPDX String Ensemble of Awesomeness (see video below)
BACHXING DAY
december 26th at the someday lounge
Bachxing Day has become staple Portland celebration as members of Classical Revolution PDX perform their own interpretations of Bach sonatas, cello suites, cantatas and a special performance of the Third Brandenburg Concerto in honor of their third year at the Someday Lounge.
“Bachxing Day is always one of my favorite Classical Revolution events,” says CRPDX founder Mattie Kaiser, “the evening is all about how we personally express the music of one of the greatest composers of all time. At the Someday Lounge every interpretation is valid - whether it’s Bach on bassoon, baritone or banjo!”
All are encouraged to bring their instruments and show Classical Revolution how they play Bach. Audience members can also join in on the fun by creating ridiculous Bach names, puns and haikus to win prizes.
Happy Bachxing Day!!
MEMENTO MORI
program details
Many, many thanks to everyone who was involved with our beautiful evening of music. Here are the program details for those that would like to know what we performed.
Act I
Dies Irae ~ arranged and performed by David Binning
Falcon Carol ~ traditional, 12th c, arrangement by Martin Shaw, sung by the Opera Theater Oregon chorus
HMK/JLK/VLA for viola and electronics ~ by Scott J. Ordway, performed by Mattie Kaiser
"When I Am Laid In Earth" from 'Dido and Aeneas' ~ by Henry Purcell, sung by Katie Taylor
Romanian Dances ~ by Béla Bartók, performed by Lucia Conrad, violin and Stephen Osserman, Guitar
String Quartet No. 2 by Arkady Fillipenko ~ performed by Lucia Conrad and Lauren Elledge, violins, Mattie Kaiser, viola and Nikki Graybeal, cello
Lacrymosa from 'Requiem' ~ by W.A. Mozart, sung by Tuesday Rupp and the OTO chorus and Lucia Conrad, violin
Liebestod from 'Tristan und Isolde' ~ by Richard Wagner, sung by Katie Taylor; accompanying film edited by Katie Taylor from 'Faust,' a 1922 German silent film
Act II
All songs words and lyrics by Rachel Taylor Brown, unless otherwise noted:
Taxidermy
Zoe of Rome (from 'Susan Storm's Ugly Sister, and Other Saints and Superheroes,' Cutthroat Pop, 2009)
Edith Stein (same as above)
Stagg Field (from 'Half Hours with the Lower Creatures,' Cutthroat Pop, 2008)
Abraham & Isaac (same as above)
B.S. (Beautiful Savior)(same as above)
Joe
Killer Queen (words and lyrics, Freddie Mercury - originally performed by Queen)
St. Fina (from 'Susan Storm's Ugly Sister, and Other Saints and Superheroes,' Cutthroat Pop, 2009)
MEMENTO MORI
december 9th at holocene
On Wednesday, December 9th 2009 at Holocene, Portland’s alternative classical forces and Rachel Taylor Brown bring you and evening of dark haunting melodies to benefit Opera Theater Oregon.
‘Memento Mori,’ will be a death-tinged night of dark, luscious string quartets, accordion-accompanied choral wailings and operatic arena chamber rock.
Classical Revolution PDX is excited to play eerie Dies Irae themes, a new commission for viola and electronics by Scott J. Ordway, haunting Bartok dances and a string quartet by Arkady Filippenko. (think, Ukrainian Shostakovich)
WHAT: Memento Mori
WHO: Rachel Taylor Brown, Classical Revolution PDX and Opera Theater Oregon
WHEN: December 9th, 2009. 9 PM
WHERE: Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, Portland
COST: $10 – All proceeds benefit Opera Theater Oregon
GAMERA VS. GUIRON
november 4th, 6th, 11th @ 13th at the hollywood theatre
Filmusik: Gamera vs. Guiron from Galen Huckins on Vimeo.
SEPTEMBER 4TH 2009
costello's travel cafe
Bach Allemande from Cello Suite No. 1 for viola
Pleyel Viola Duet Op. 8 No. 3
Telemann Fantasy for Recorder No. 8
Dario Castello Sonata Prima for Soprano Recorder
Mozart String Quartet K. 157
Corelli Sonata in Re Minore for Violin and Cello
Mozart String (viola) Quintet in G minor
Beethoven Horn Sextet
AUGUST 5TH 2009
someday lounge
Dave Bining arr. Kyrie from Gregorian Mass IV "Cunctipotens genitor Deus" and Hildegard Von Bingen "Caritas abundat in omnia" for prepared trumpet
Hagmeier "Jack and Lena" for viola and electric guitar
J.B. Loeillet Adagio from Sonata No.1 for two flutes
Bach Sarabande from Cello Suite No. 4
Bartok Notturno arr. Hagmeier for flute, viola and cello
Mozart "12 little duets" for violin and viola
Glass string quartet No. 3 mvt. i
Glass string quartet No. 5
Mozart string quartet in D major, K 575 mvt. i
Mozart string quartet No. 2 K 155 mvt. i
Schubert "Death and the Maiden" octet! mvt. ii
HOW I CAME TO CHICAGO AND WHY
video by casey parks
| Portland Bicycle Symphony |
JUNE 24TH 2009
south waterfront
Haydn "Rider" String Quartet Op. 74 No. 3
Dvorak "American" String Quartet
W.F. Bach Viola Duo No. 1
Hagmeier "Anna Z" for flute, viola, cello and resonator guitar
Ibert "Cinq Pieces" for clarinet, oboe and cello (bassoon)
Mozart "Hunt" String Quartet K458
Elzear "Kitten on the Keys"
BICYCLE SYMPHONY
June 24th, 2009
Dear Revolutioners,
I know you've been waiting for months, years even, for me to ask you
to perform in our ensemble. Perhaps you don't play an instrument,
don't have rhythm or can't sing a note... I still think it's time for
you to participate. On Wednesday, June 24th at 4pm at the South Park
Blocks you will have your opportunity. We have commissioned Galen "Boy
Wonder" Huckins to write a short bicycle symphony for all who show up
on their bike to perform.
The bicycle symphony will start at SW Park and SW Salmon just across the street from the Arlene Schnitzer concert hall at 4pm. Wear your pin stripes, fancy pants, top hats and gloves for a traveling symphony on bikes for bikes. This events is FREE. Please bring YOU, your friends, your sweet and snappy pants, and of course, your bike! Bells, horns and other bikey musical instruments welcome!
After the performance of the bicycle symphony we will make our way to the South Waterfront where there will be Hotlips pizza and Hopworks beer available for FREE! And after chowing down, we will have a good old fashioned chamber jam from 6-8pm at Atwater Place - 3660 SW River Pkwy., Portland, OR 97239.
For more information please visit PedalPalooza and South Waterfront.
Please keep in mind that these events are free, all ages, and EVERYONE is welcome.
FILMUSIK
coming to the hollywood theatre
FILMUSIK: Plan 9 From Outer Space
May 27th and 29th, 7pm
Hollywood Theatre
Tickets $10 - $8 Students/Seniors
www.filmusik.com
On the 27th and 29th, teams of musicians, composers, voice actors and sound designers are congregating in the pit at the Hollywood Theatre to premiere a new soundtrack to Ed Wood's botched masterpiece of sci-fi cinema: Plan 9 From Outer Space. The original strings + electronica score is performed live to the film by the Classical Revolution PDX string quartet and Sugar Short Wave. The film is dubbed in the pit by a cast of voice actors from the Willamette Radio Workshop with sound effects and foley by Heather Perkins.
Vampires, UFOs and purple pajama-wearing Aliens loom on the screen as the musicians bow, pluck and pound away furiously at the collaborative composition of Portland based composers Galen Huckins and Sugar Shortwave. Our restored and colorized print of the film provided courtesy of Legend Films. Filmusik promotes live performance over prerecorded media by presenting new venues for musicians and composers.
Also part of our 2 film mini series of sci-fi goodness is Missile to the Moon. We are performing this drive-in classic with an original piano quintet soundtrack composed by Scott J. Ordway, putting serious new music chamber music in the ring with space exploitation cinema.
FILMUSIK: Missile To The Moon
June 3rd and 5th, 7pm
Hollywood Theatre
Tickets $10 - $8 Students/Seniors
APRIL 17TH 2009
costello's travel cafe
Haydn String Quartet Op. 77 No. 1
Vivaldi Double Mandolin Concerto In G, for two celli and tenor
Mozart Divertimento No. 3 for flute, clarinet and bassoon
Schubert Cello Quintet
MARCH 15TH 2009 - BACHXING DAY!
someday lounge
*all pieces by J.S. Bach unless otherwise noted
Concerto for two violins in D minor (strings, flote, more strings)
Bourree of solo flute partita 1013
Courante of solo flute Partita 1013
Adagio of Trio sonata 1039
Prelude and Fugue no. 1 in C Major from Well Tempered Clavier
W.F. Bach Largo from viola duo No.1
Sarabanda and Giga from violin partita in D minor
*intermission*
Coffe Cantata (or if you're fancy) "Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht", BWV 211
Purcell Menuet, Air, Hornpipe, Allemande, Prelude etc. for harpsichord
LeClair violin duo in C major mvt. I
LeClair violin duo in G major mvt. I
MARCH 13TH 2009
family friday at the community music center
Fritz Kreisler: Scherzo Op. 6 for solo violin - Lucia Conrad, Violin
"Caliope House" Irish fiddle tune - Jody Morrissette, Violin; Joel Morrissette, Guitar
Saint-Saens: "The Swan" - Erin Winemiller, Cello; Anne Young, Piano
Rebecca Clarke: "Chinese Puzzle" - Mattie Kaiser, Viola; Anne Young Piano
Erik Satie: "The Swing" from Sports et Divertissements - Anne Young, Piano
Claude Debussy: "Clair de Lune" - Anne Young, Piano
Handel: Minuet from The Royal Fireworks
Beethoven: String Quartet Op. 18 No. 4
Mozart: Piano Quartet in G minor
Fandango! for string quartet
FEBRUARY 18TH 2009
someday lounge
Debussy Sonata for Flute, Harp and Viola
Kreisler Recitativo and Scherzo for Solo Violin Op. 6
Saint-Saens Fantasie for Harp and Violin
Quantz Trio Sonata for Baroque Flute, Recorder and Viola
Kodaly Duo for Cello and Violin Op. 7
Mozart viola quintet in g minor mvt. 1
Dvorak Viola Quintet mvt. 1
Fandango! for string quartet
THE OLD CHURCH
february 4th at noon
Members of Classical Revolution PDX are delighted to perform luminous works of the twentieth century including a duo for Flute and Piano by Aaron Copland, three short pieces for Viola and Piano by Rebecca Clarke, and Claude Debussy’s Danses Sacreé et Profane and Sonata for Flute, Harp and Viola. It’s at noon, you can bring your lunch and it’s FREE!
THE SUPERMAN ORCHESTRA
january 23rd and 24th
Classical Revolution PDX is excited to be a part of the Superman Orchestra performing as part of the Reel Music Film Festival at the Portland Art Museum this weekend. We had a wonderful turnout and reaction to our first performance at the Hollywood Theatre in November and we're thrilled to do it again.
FILMUSIK: The Superman Orchestra
Jan. 23rd at 7pm and the 24th at 2pm
The Whitsell Auditorium at the Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Avenue
Tickets $14 - $10 Students/Seniors/Members available at www.nwfilm.org
www.thesupermanorchestra.com
This weekend, join the Superman Orchestra for a romp through some classic films from the 1940's in a unique style. Superman has never been so exciting as he is on the big screen in these vintage cartoons that meld a comic book aesthetic with unique style of the animators who created the Popeye and Betty Boop cartoons of the era. Don't be surprised to find an orchestra, conductor and voice actors in the pit, this isn't your average movie screening. 5 Composers have written original orchestral soundtracks to the Superman films that are performed live as the dialog is performed by members of LiveWire's Faces for Radio Theatre Troupe. If you've never seen a T-rex rampage through Metropolis or Superman in fisticuffs with fire breathing robots, the experience comes highly recommended. Bring the family, the music-lovers and the comic buffs to experience film and music in a new way.
Mattie Kaiser interviewed the superman orchestra founder, Galen Huckins, as part of Opera Theater Oregon's new podcast, "The Probe". Listen to their segment below:
DECEMBER 26TH 2008
someday lounge
Unfortunately, due to the horrible weather conditions official "Bachxing Day" festivities had to be rescheduled, but three brave violists and one heroic pianist braved the treacherous circumstances and were prepared to play for... VLAXING DAY!
Bach Cello Suite No. 4 for viola - Sarabande and Bourrée I and II
Bach Cello Suite No. 3 for viola - Gigue
Bach "Come Sweet Death" arr. Lionel Tertis
Bach Cello Suite No. 5 for viola - Sarabande
Telemann viola duet
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 6
Bach "Siehe, ich will viol fischer aussenden" for three violas and piano
DECEMBER 5TH 2008
costello's travel cafe
Bach Cello Suite No. 1 for viola
Bach Cello Suite No. 2 for viola
Haydn Divertimento No. 2 for violin, viola and cello
Boccherini Quintet Op. 21 No. 1 for two violins,(flute) viola, and cello
Haydn Quartet Op. 77 No. 1 for flute, violin, viola and cello
NOVEMBER 18TH 2008
someday lounge
Mendelssohn Octet
Telemann Duo Sonata No. 6 for two recorders
Rebecca Clarke "I bid my heart be still" for viola and piano
Jon Artetxe-Bilbao "Temptations" for viola
English-Ward/Young "No Captive", based on a twelfth-century of Richard the Lionheart
Beethoven Trio Op. 9 No. 3 for violin, viola and cello
Beethoven String Quartet Op. 132 mvt. III
OCTOBER 3RD 2008
costello's travel cafe
Blavet selections for two Baroque flutes
Rachmaninoff Vocalise for cello and piano
Vaughan Williams "Six Studies on English Folksong" for cello and piano
Telemann Fantasy No. 1 for (flute) recorder
Simon Bielman Sonata No. 2 in C Major, op. 7 for piano
Handel, Matheson and Telemann recorder duos
Chopin, Etude in C Major, op. 10, no. 1 for piano
Orange Blossom Special (trad. fiddle tune)
Caliope's House (Irish fiddle tune)
Bach Prelude from the Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello
SEPTEMBER 27TH 2008
someday lounge anniversary party
Beethoven string quartet op. 18 no. 1 mvt. 1
Beethoven string quartet op. 18 no. 4 mvt. 1
R. Strauss "Morgen" from 4 songs Op. 27 for soprano, violin and piano
Michael Hagmeier "Terwilliger Optical Anomaly" for flute and viola
Jacob Gotlib "Filaments" for flute and tape
THE SUPERMAN ORCHESTRA
november 7th & 14th at the hollywood theater
Seeing the man of steel live and in technicolor is one thing, but watching him and wrestle a T-rex and sucker-punch flaming comets with our live orchestra behind him is something you won't want to miss. Seven contemporary composers premiere their new orchestral scores to the vintage superman cartoons of the 1940s. Under the glow of the Hollywood theatre screen, fourteen musicians, composers, and voice actors make their own interpretation of the sunday morning action classics of yesteryear. The orchestra is up close, the action appropriate for all ages and the composers are world class. Bring the family, the music-lovers and the comic buffs to experience film in a new way.
November 7th and 14th at the Hollywood Theater 7:30pm
Tickets: $14 Students/Seniors: $10
SEPTEMBER 17TH 2008
baroque bash at holocene
The Oregonian told you all to come out and have a ball with us, and what a good time we all had!! Special thanks to the Portland Baroque Orchestra and Sophe Lux for being a part of the festivities. Thanks also to Classical Millenium for donating prizes for our costume contest. The winner was Lorin Wilkerson who also needs to get mad props for making sure we got a harpsichord to Holocene.
Purcell Almand for harpsichord
Haydn Sonata in C major for harpsichord
Vivaldi concerto for two cellos with beats provided by Cellotronik
Haydn String Quartet Op. 76 No. 1 mvts 1 and 3
Handel "Tu drudo e mio rivale" from Rodelinda for tenor, cello and harpsichord
*Bach Courante from Cello Suite No. 1 and cello improv
Telemann sonata in D minor for recorder and harpsichord
*LeClair violin duet
*Vivaldi "La Folia" for two violins and cello
*performed by members of the Portland Baroque Orchestra
BAROQUE BASH
september 17th at holocene
Baroque music meets baroque pop for a first-of-its-kind show at the Holocene nightclub on September 17th.
The “Baroque Bash” features performances by beloved chamber-rockers Sophe Lux, chamber music collaborative Classical Revolution PDX and special guests from Portland Baroque Orchestra, the Pacific Northwest’s premiere period instrument ensemble. CRPDX and the PBO Chamber Players will perform works by Bach, Haydn, Vivaldi and other 17th and early 18th Century composers. Sophe Lux, known as much for their lavish costumes and mini-operettas as for their musicianship, will play original songs hailed by the Portland Tribune as being “operatic, ambitious...sophisticated, theatrical pop.” The Philadelphia Weekly described them as “fancy-dressed, concept-loving, rock-opera terrorists... This Weimar-infused, accordion-loving experimental cabaret is led by the blond and beautiful Gwynneth Haynes, whose octave-jumping soprano could easily turn from indie rock to Brecht-Weill torch songs.”
Singer Gwynneth Haynes invites the audience to fully participate in the evening by taking on Baroque characteristics. Says Haynes “Don’t just be a spectator, be a part of the spectacle!” Audiences are invited to join in the evenings festivities by donning outfits and wigs for the evening’s costume contest.
Tom Cirillo, Executive Director of Portland Baroque Orchestra, jumped at the invitation from Classical Revolution PDX to bring live performance of 18th century music to a “downtown” club venue like Holocene. He says, “18th century music is all about flash, spectacle and live improvisation. A party-like setting with adult refreshments is certainly in the spirit of the music and I know our virtuoso violinists Greg Ewer and Adam LaMotte will thrive in the energy of this unique event at Holocene.”
Violist Mattie Kaiser, who performs with Classical Revolution PDX and Sophe Lux, says the Baroque Bash will demonstrate the commonality between Baroque music and the literate, musically complex pop songs produced by bands like Sophe Lux. She likens the best music of the Baroque, known for its emphasis on ornament and extravagance, to glam rock: “I really don’t think there’s that much of a difference between the baroque music pageantry that existed back in the day and glam - it’s all about being completely ridiculous with the utmost sincerity.”
AUGUST 27TH 2008
someday lounge
Special thanks to the Willamette Week for the awesome article about the revolution!
Bach Cello Suite No. 2 on Guitar
Puccini 'Signore, Ascolta,' from 'Turandot' for soprano
Gian Carlo Menotti 'The Black Swan' from 'The Medium' for soprano
Jay Derderian 'Elegy' for flute, violin, viola, cello and piano
Beethoven Romanzen with Massive Attack for violin and tape
intermission
Vaughn-Williams 'Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal' for viola and piano
Lyle Lovett 'Baltimore' for viola and piano
Bartok 'Slovak Peasant's Dance' for viola and piano
Mozart viola quintet in G minor
Canon Jam
JULY 31ST 2008
costello's travel cafe
HH Brandt "Farven Blaa" for recorders
Vivaldi "Summer" from the Four Seasons for string trio
Schubert "In Der Fremde" for tenor
Schubert "Du Bist Die Ruh" for tenor
Schubert Cello Quintet mvt. I
Borodin String Quartet No. 2 mvt. I
Haydn String Quartet Op. 76 No. 1
JUNE 24TH 2008
someday lounge
Mozart string quartet no. 2
Beatrice "A chanter" for voice, viola and percussion
Jolivet "Chant de Linos" for flute and piano
Popper Requiem for three celli and piano
Bohemian Rhapsody performed by Opera Theater Oregon
intermission
Vivaldi concerto for two celli in g min
Verdi "Siciliana" from I Vespri Siciliani
Schumann piano quintet mvts. 1 and 2
Shostakovich cello sonata mvts. 1 and 2
Donizetti "Una Furtiva Lagrima" (see video below)
VIVA LA REVOLUTION
the movement is worldwide
Several articles have been brought to our attention lately about movements very similar to Classical Revolution PDX. For your reading pleasure here are some articles about fellow revolutions in the following cities:
London
New York
Atalanta
And of course there's revolutions already taking place in San Francisco, Montreal, and the newly formed Classical Revolution RENO! I wonder which city will be next...
MAY 28TH 2008
someday lounge
Gliere duet for cello and violin
Gastoldi recorder duo - Nachtigal Duo
Ysaye violin sonata No. 4
Dvorak trio for two vioins and viola
Johannes Kapsberger - Corrente No. 9, Gagliarda No.12 and Toccata No. 3 for lute
John Dowland "Come ye heavy states of night" for lute and tenor
* Selected works performed by FourScore:
Poulenc - Tout puissant, tres saint, from "Quatre petites prieres de Saint Francois
d'Assise"
Schubert "Grab und Mond"
"Carolina in the Mornin"
Poulenc - Seigneur, je vous en prie, from "Quatre petites prieres de Saint Francois
d'Assise"
* Hollis Taylor "Unsquare Dances" for clarinet, viola and percussion
Prokofiev flute sonata mvt. IV
Arutunian trumpet concerto
Mozart bassoon and cello sonata K. 292 mvt. 1
Dvorak "American" string quartet
*recordings available on our myspace!
MAY 15TH 2008
costello's travel cafe
Divertimento for Violin, Viola and Cello by Haydn
"Still Waiting" viola lament by Holly Bruce
Sonata for two Recorders Op. 1 No. 3 by Johannes Matheson
"Summa" by Arvo Pärt performed by the Portland Cello Project
**First ever CRPDX masterclass given on the performance on "Summa"!
Bach Cello Suite No. 6
APRIL 30TH 2008
someday lounge
Corrente Nos. 10 and 12, Gagliarda No. 3 by Giovanni Kapsperger for Lute
Corrente and La Sua Spesata by Bernardo Gianoncelli for Lute
Bach Sonata in E minor for Flute and Guitar
Notturno from String Quartet No. 2 by Borodin
Klughart Woodwind Quintet
"Down by the Salley Gardens" by John Corigliano for Tenor and Flute
"Pajaro del agua" by Rodrigo for Tenor and Flute
Tenor and Flute Improvisation by Nelsen/Beaudoin
Filaments for Flute and Tape by Jacob Gotlib
Piano improv by Paul Dirkson
Mendelssohn String Quartet No. 1
Beethoven String Quartets Op. 18 Nos. 4 and 6
WORDS ABOUT WORDLESS
we're speechless
April 17th, 2008 was a big night. The west coast premier of NYC's Wordless Music Series was gaining a lot of attention with the Willamette Week, Portland Mercury , Oregonian, and countless other blogs all saying "go to this show!" Classical Revolution PDX was ready to represent.
Andrea Murray interviewed Mattie Kaiser and Matthew Cooper (Eluvium) about the upcoming Wordless performances for AllClassical.org:
The show itself was amazing. But you don't have to take our word for it....
reviews
When classical comes to the turf of rock and electronica
James McQuillen, special to The Oregonian
A good mix | Classical Revolution PDX melds with Christopher Willits and Stars of the Lid
In the words of its own mission statement included in the program for Thursday night's concert at Portland club Holocene, the New York City-based Wordless Music series is "devoted to the idea that the sound worlds of classical and contemporary instrumental music --in genres such as indie rock and electronica --share more in common than conventional thinking might suggest."
It's not a new idea, of course; performers such as Kronos Quartet and Christopher O'Riley, with his piano transcriptions of the music of Radiohead, are among legions of musicians striving to demolish the genre boundaries between classical music and everything else.
The audience of twenty- and thirtysomethings was exactly the demographic that classical music presenters desperately crave.
Willits opened with improvisations accompanied by electronic augmentation, moving his hands rapidly from his guitar to the laptop in front of him (the Apple logo was the brightest thing in the room; indie experimental music has given the company brilliant product placement). Behind him was a projected display including washes of color, an animated diagram of a heart, supersaturated photos of forget-me-nots --a visual analogue of Willits' organic, distortion-filled soundscape.
Violinists Lucia Conrad and Marya Kazmierski, violist Mattie Kaiser and cellist Erin Winemiller brought on the classical in the form of Dmitri Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8. On paper, it seemed an odd choice, not least because it's a searingly intense, personal work, and intensity has little place in electronica. In context, though, its dissonances and mercurial transitions worked on the level of pure sound, and the audience was rapt.
Kaiser, who animated the Shostakovich with slashing bow strokes and full-throated sound, returned with pianist Briana Ratterman for "Spiegel in Spiegel" by the Estonian composer Arvo Part, a gem of utter simplicity and a natural segue for Stars of the Lid, who gave a set beginning with Part's mystical-minimalist "Fratres." Accompanied by a fine string trio --violinist Kate O'Brien, violist Ella Baruch and cellist Julia Kent the duo of Brian McBride and Adam Bryanbaum spun off into a world where Part meets Brian Eno, space is bathed in clouds of electronically generated overtones and generic boundaries are blissfully abolished.
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Wordless Music strikes a nerve
Lorin Wilkerson, Northwest Reverb (click for full review)
Next up was CRPDX, with Dmitri Shostakovich’s titanic String Quartet No. 8 in C minor. I actually missed the opening moments waiting in the long line for beer, but I will say this about hearing classical music at a club: as music and craft beer are my two great passions, it was singularly enjoyable to be able to sit in the dark and sip a bottle of Rogue Brewery’s Nut Brown Nectar while listening to the haunting strains of a Shostakovich quartet. This work was performed by Lucia Conrad and Mary Kazmierski, violins, Mattie Kaiser, viola, and Erin Winemiller, cello.
This piece, perhaps the most-often performed work in his seminal collection of quartets, was composed in a furious 3-day spurt of creativity when Shostakovich was in Dresden in 1960, and it was intended as a remembrance of the victims of fascism and totalitarianism. I attempted to pay special attention to the audience, as I surmised this style would be unfamiliar to many of them. It seemed like a number didn’t quite know what to make of it at first, but they sat in rapt silence and paid close attention; classical music audiences who are often coughing, shuffling and whispering could learn a thing or two from the serene meditative complacence with which this Holocene crowd attended the Shostakovich. One other thing that suggested an unfamiliarity with classical etiquette was an attempt to clap between movements, although the later movements flowed attaca one into the other, so that eliminated this problem. This was an audience that sincerely wanted to hear new music, as shown by the growing throng that was willing to sit packed together on the cold concrete floor.
The syncopated atonality that permeated large parts of this work proved a stark contrast to the dreamy ambient music immediately preceding it, and it actually took me a moment or two to adjust aurally. The opening Largo was very somber and intentional; it began with a sobbing motif that Shostakovich often uses as his musical signature. There were a few intonation problems right at first but they soon worked themselves out. Part of it could’ve been the loud hum of the overhead fans which was inaudible during the amplified sets of the other performers. But, it interfered with my hearing and could easily have proved a distraction to the unplugged musicians attempting to play in a whispering pianissimo.
By the time the Allegro Molto was in full swing the audience was hooked. The viola dominated an important segment of this movement, and Kaiser rendered these fiendishly difficult phrases with demoniac intensity, hammering out triple and quadruple stops with such ferocity that I thought strings might snap. I couldn’t help but visualize extreme violence during this section, families torn from their roots and ripped apart to be scattered unto death by the winds of a soulless, inhumane force. The Allegretto was a pleasant contrast to this, a bacchanalian dance that belied the fury of the former movement. The work closed with two sparse Largos, and Lucia Conrad played the return of the opening theme that dominated these movements with as much mesmeric intent as any fan of hypnotic music could hope for.
CRPDX finished with the minimalist Spiegel im Spiegel (Mirror in Mirror) by Arvo Pärt, a consonant piece more in keeping with the overall dreamy timbre of the evening. For this work Kaiser was joined by Briana Ratterman on an electronic keyboard. This was a simple piece featuring a languid, happy melody on the viola hovering over a repetitive motif on the keyboard. Ratterman had a deceptively challenging task in keeping the ostinato fresh and invigorating, and she did this well.
WORDLESS MUSIC SERIES
april 17th @ holocene 9pm
Have you heard about Wordless Music?
It's a music series that started in NYC that's dedicated to pairing
electronic/rock concerts with classical/chamber music with the aim of
dismantling genre distinctions. We here at Classical Revolution PDX
can get behind that... in fact, we're helping to kick off the Wordless
Music Series here in Portland!!
April 17th 9pm
Holocene and SPECTRE present...
the WORDLESS MUSIC SERIES
featuring Stars Of The Lid
Classical Revolution PDX
Christopher Willits
We'll be performing
Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8 in C minor
Arvo Part's "Spiegel Im Spiegel" for viola and piano
Holocene is located at 1001 SE Morrison, PDX. Tickets are $12 advance, $14 at the door.
ALLCLASSICAL.ORG INTERVIEW
Andrea Murray interviews CRPDX for "Northwest Previews"
MARCH 12TH 2008
someday lounge
Mozart Quartet K421
Ginastera Flute Quintet
Hildegard von Bingen vocal piece w/droning quartet
Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor
*intermission*
Original music by Sallo
Mozart's violin/viola duo K423
Milhaud - La Californienne (Viola and Piano)
Dvorak Viola Quintet mvt. 1 & 2
Solo Flute music by Bach and Piazzolla
MARCH 6TH 2008
costello's travel cafe
Beethoven Duets for Violin and Cello
Mozart Viola Quintet in G minor mvt. 1 & 2
Gary Schocker "3X2" Flute Duet
Mozart Flute Quartet in G major mvt. 1
Dohnanyi Trio for Violin, Viola and Cello
Beethoven's 7th Symphony mvt. 2 arranged for 4 celli
Haydn Quartets Op. 76 - No. 1 and No. 4
FEBRUARY 27TH 2008
someday lounge
This performance included our heroes, the Portland Cello Project. I can't believe we had 16 cellos on stage. 16! Besides the massive celli gathering we also had some top notch performances, including:
Beethoven String Quartet No. 4 - mvt. 1
played by Betsy (cello) Mattie (viola) Justin and Jody (violins)
Cavallini, Adagio & Tarantella
played by Travers (piano) and Theresa (clarinet)
Mozart G minor Piano Quartet - mvt. 1
played by Travers (piano) Kate (violin) Doug (cello) and Mattie (viola)
Schubert Death and the Maiden string quartet - mvt. 2
played by Erin (cello) Mattie (viola) Lucia and Jody (violins)
Villa Lobos Bachianas Brasilleras No. 5 - mvt. 1
played by the Portland Cello Project with soprano Allison Armerding
De Falla Ritual Firedance
played by lots and lots of celli!
*intermission*
Handel-Halvorsen's Sarabande and Variations
played by Lucia (violin) and Andrea (viola)
Villa Lobos Bachianas Brasilleras No. 1 - mvts. 1 & 2
played by "the cello rejects" Nikki and company
The Lookout! Chamber Ensemble performed music written by Michael Hagmeier - Enenel, and One Donut Short
Elise (flute) Michael (didgeridoo) Betsy (cello) Jack (percussion) and Kelly (violin and piano)
JANUARY 10TH 2008
costello's travel cafe
So this evening we seemed to be the Portland Flute Project, as we had SIX flute players show up! Wow, but want an eclectic night of music it turned out to be.
Bach, Wachet Auf
Mozart, Divertimento #1
Mozart, Piano Concerto #21
played by Nikki (cello) Mattie (viola) Kathy and Jourdan (flutes)
Haydn, Echo Flute Duet
played by Kathy and Jessie (flutes)
Beethoven, Allegro and Minuet
played by Christie and Jessie (flutes)
Schnocker, Nymphs
Miyagi arr Howard, Haru No Unie
played by Flöte
Blavet, Sonata in Gminor for flute and continuo
played by Nikki (cello) and Elise (flute)
Haydn, Divertimento #1 for violin (flute) viola and cello
played by Jessie, Mattie and Nikki
Michael Hagmeier, Nile and Night mvt 1 and also Calm within the Storm
played by Elise (flute) and Michael (didgeridoo)
Collective improve with flute, flute, flute, spam, flute, viola, and didgeridoo.
DECEMBER 26TH 2007 - BachXing Day
the someday lounge
Thanks to everyone who came out to bachxing day last night! Both the performers and the audience had a really good time, and what amazing performances we had!
Sometimes we play pieces we know and love, and we tell the audience something like
"thisisthedvorackamericanstringquartetsecondmovement"
and you fall in love with the piece (who wouldn't??) but have no idea what we said it was....
Solution! I'm going to start posting our set lists after the shows (and we'll also try to be more articulate during the shows) so you can find the piece you fell in love with.
Bach, Cello Suite #1 Prelude
played by Mattie (viola)
Telemann, Canonic Sonatas
played by Erin and Skip on celli
Bach, Violin Partita, allegro movement from a Bach flute sonata
played by Theresa (clarinet)
Shostakovich, String Quartet #8
played by Justin, Marya, (violins) Erin (cello) and Mattie (viola)
Intermission with Piano improv by Jay
Bach, Flute Duets
Kathy and Jessie on flutes
Bach Cello Suite #3 Gigue
Played by Skip (cello)
Erin challenged Mattie to a "Bach off" and played the Cello Suite #1 Prelude
Sallo, original compositions
Skip (cello) and Sallo (piano)
Bach 2 part intervention (err, I mean invention) #2
played by Jeff on Banjo,
Dvorak American String Quartet mvt. 2 (and later mvt. 4)
Lucia, Marya, (violins) Erin(cello) and Mattie (viola)
Bach, Chorals
TUTTI led by Shawn on Trombone