Letter to the Editor: Superb performance

By Sun Advocate

Editor:
A rare musical group which featured the bassoon, flutes, cello and the piano and harpsichord gave a stunning performance on Feb. 16 at the Price Civic Auditorium.
The program which was called Baroque Music for the bassoon – a bassoon recital by Dr. Brian Peterson. The group performed bassoon works from well known composers, such as Bach, Teleman and Vivaldi. Most of these works have been in existence since the early 18th century.
The Baroque period after 1650 saw the regular use of an ensemble which became the nucleus of the modern orchestra, which included the bassoon and cello which provided a firm bass line and strengthened harmonies.
The bassoon is a double reed wind instrument developed during the 17th century. It is characterized by two separate parallel tubes joined at one end by a u-tube. German makers experimented with various key mechanisms, but finally a mechanism was perfected which is still the world standard. The modern bassoon is the lowest sounding member of the wind group of instruments. The mellow lower notes provide a firm base for orchestral harmony. It’s higher notes, in the range of the tenor voice, are well suited to solo performance.
Supreme musicianship was evident in every work performed by the group. The featured instrument was the bassoon – played to perfection by Dr. Peterson who excelled as a musician before becoming a physician.
It is said that no musical instrument is ever totally mastered by its player, but Dr. Peterson showed a perfect mastery of the instrument, especially evident in the B flat concerto of Vivaldi. This demanding work with high velocity scales ranging from the deep to high tenor showed a command of the instrument.
The bassoon with its sensitive double reed ranks with the French horn in sometimes unpredictable behavior.
The accompanist on the piano and harpsichord perfectly complemented the performance by the flutists and the cello soloist Jana Hoyt.
Jennifer Chiara met every challenge presented by the various composers. Her style, dynamics and sensitivity on the keyboard are well known by music lovers in this area and in Utah county.
The flute players skill likewise demonstrated what a delightful addition to a musical ensemble the flute can deliver.
The well attended event was received enthusiastically by a large audience of appreciative music lovers and it is hoped that a repeat performance will be forthcoming.