Students appreciate watching Mercyhurst faculty perform in collage
February 8, 2011
Tyler Stauffer photo: Rotberg performed a piece by Bach, that showcased his technique and artistry.On Thursday, the D’Angelo School of Music continued its Faculty Recital Series with its annual Faculty Collage.
The Faculty Collage, held in Walker Recital Hall, is part of a series of faculty recitals presented throughout the school year.
The recitals are significant because music students have the opportunity to sit and listen to their teachers perform, typically the other way around.
The Faculty Collage featured artists Barton Samuel Rotberg, Ph.D., on violin, Anna Meyer on flute, and Harry Jacobson on string bass.
Rotberg is an assistant professor of music, and the chair of the strings area.
Opening the recital, Rotberg performed a piece titled “Chaconne in D minor” by J.S. Bach that exhibited his professional technique and artistry.
It is always interesting to watch Rotberg perform because you can tell how much he really ‘feels’ the music.
Senior Lynn Dula says that she “especially enjoyed listening to ‘Chaconne’ because it was really complicated and beautiful.”
The second part of the recital was performed by Meyer, an adjunct instructor of flute.
She performed a piece called “Sonata Appassionata in F# minor, op. 140” by Sigfrid Karg-Elert—a powerful piece for the flute.
The piece was full of very quick passages and high notes.
Meyer was an inspiration to students with her imminent passion and precision in her craft.
Senior Megan Duane said she was “honored to be a student of such talented and diverse faculty who master a wide array of instruments.”
Harry Jacobson, an adjunct music professor, performed two pieces accompanied by Shirley Yoo, Ph.D., on the piano.
The duet began their portion with a moving “Elegy in C major” by Giovanni Bottesini.
The piece was extremely poignant, with the string bass playing a mournful solo.
They then closed their portion with “Four Episodes for double bass and piano,” by Christopher Benstead.
This was a modern piece, first consisting of four parts including “Prelude, Conversation Piece,” “Lament” and “Finale: Presto.” Each movemebt was very different and unique.
By the close of the recital, it was apparent that the faculty’s performance was well received by students, fellow faculty and visitors alike.
Freshman Matt Anderson thoroughly enjoyed the concert.
“I was blown away by the entire performance,” he said.
“The fact that we have the opportunity to study under the direction of such talented musicians is one of a kind. Overall, I loved the concert, and I left it full of pride.”