Reverberations

2022-23 Senior Music

Majors Recital

Joseph A. Russo III

Theatre
 Program
Release the Kraken John Willmarth (b. 1974)
Percussion Ensemble:

Air Gai G.P. Berlioz (1916-2007)

Verdrai Carino from Don Giovanni W.A. Mozart (1756-

1791)

Bourée J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

V'adoro Pupille from Guilio Cesare G.F. Handel (1685-1759)

Downfall of Paris (1862) Union Army Band

Romance in Eb Leroy Ostransky (1918-1993)

Weep You No More Sad Fountains Roger Quilter (1877-1953)

from Seven Elizabethan Songs, Op. 12

Caprice No. 2 Luigi Legnani (1790-1877)

 Program
I Attempt from Love's Sickness Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
from The Indian Queen

Mr. Powers Chris Brooks (b. 1957)

Mallet Percussion Ensemble:

My Friend Norman John S. Pratt (b. 1931)

An den Mond Franz Schubert (1797-1828)

Kumamoto Castle Dan Moore (b. 1970)

Ici Bas Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)

Three Designs for Three Timpani Robert Muczynski (1929-2010)

T

Allegro in Am Matteo Carcassi (1792-1853)

 Program
In my Dreams L. Ahrens (b. 1948) & S. Flaherty (b. 1960)
from Anastasia

Flower of the Orient Saverio Mercadante (1795-1870)

Syncopation Too James A. Coffin (1931-2015)

Tears in Heaven Eric Clapton (b. 1945)

La Villa Strangiato Rush, Neil Peart (1952-2020)

Seven Steps to Heaven Miles Davis (1926-1991)

Victor Feldman (1934-1987)
Arr. Brydon Bullock (b. 2005)

In My Life [Link] (1940- 1980) & [Link] (b. 1942)

 Program Notes
Seven Steps to Heaven Davis, Feldman

“Seven Steps to Heaven” is a jazz standard, in AABA form, featuring an intro, interlude, and
ending, played in an uptempo swing style. The song comes from Miles Davis' studio album of the
same name. The album also features classic songs such as “Basin Street Blues” and “Joshua”.
Both the song and album Seven Steps to Heaven, were released in 1963 by the Miles Davis
Quintet. Victor Feldman, a jazz writer, and player of vibraphone, percussion, drums, and piano,
helped to co-write the track with Davis. However, despite his important role in the tracks'
creation, he is not featured on the record.

In My Life Lennon, McCartney

“In My Life” is a hit ballad song from the Beatles 1965 album “Rubber Soul.” The song is meant to
be an autobiography of Lennon’s life up until that point. Both Lennon and Paul McCartney have
cited it as one of their favorite Beatles songs. The song has received high praise from music
critics as well, Rolling Stone placed the song 98th on their 2021 list of the "500 Greatest Songs
of all Time." Furthermore, UK music magazine Mojo ranked it as the best Beatles song of all time.
This performance was arranged by the senior music majors.
 Program Notes
La Villa Strangiato Rush, Peart

La Villa Strangiato is an instrumental piece written in 1979 by Canadian rock band Rush. Guitarist
Alex “Lerxst” Lifeson recalls that the song is a musical representation of strange dreams that he
was having while the band was touring. The song is composed of 12 short movements, the names
of which are references to Lifeson’s dreams or the band itself:

I: Buenas Noches, Mein Froinds*

Roughly translated to: “goodnight, my friends!” There are no drums in this movement.
II: To sleep, perchance to dream
The drums slowly build, starting as just hi-hat, the bass and snare drum are added gradually
III: Strangiato Theme
The main theme: The drums finish building and kick into the main groove
IV: Lerxst In Wonderland*
The drums quiet down for what would be a guitar solo with a full band
V: Monsters!
After a buildup, a frantic tom groove brings the song out of the guitar solo
VI: The Ghost of Aragon
Another solo section, this section features two short improvised drum solos
VII: Danforth and Pape
After the second drum solo, the drums break out into a ride bell groove
VIII: The Waltz of the Shreves
Starting with cymbal chokes, the music transitions into a waltz-like groove
IX: Never Turn Your Back on a Monster!
The music slows down into a half-time waltz feel
X: Monsters! (Reprise)
The frantic tom groove returns, but much quieter
XI: Strangiato Theme (Reprise)
The drums suddenly get louder, transitioning back to the hi-hat groove from the beginning
XII: A Farewell to Things
A play on words of the band’s 1977 album: “A Farewell to Kings,” the song concludes with cymbal
chokes and a one-bar snare drum solo

*For this performance, movement I is removed and movement IV is abridged

 Program Notes
In My Dreams from Anastasia Ahrens, Flaherty

“In My Dreams” is a song from the Broadway musical Anastasia, an adaptation of the animated
movie with the same name. Like the movie, this musical depicts the legend of Grand Duchess
Anastasia Nikolaevna, who is believed to have escaped after the execution of her family. With
dramatic dynamics, this piece conveys the longing that Anastasia feels to discover her identity.
The lyrics were written by Lynn Ahrens and the music was composed by Stephen Flaherty

Flower of the Orient Mercadante

Flower of the Orient is a faster solo piece that was composed by Saverio Mercadante. He is an
Italian composer who studied flute, violin, and composition in a conservatory in Naples.
Mercadante did not have a big prolific celebrity life but his contribution to operatic styles,
melodic styles and orchestration helped build Giuseppe Verdi’s dramatic technique.

Syncopation Too Coffin

This piece is from James Coffin’s popular book The Performing Percussionist written in 1982. He
taught high school band until he got his masters degree at University of Northern Iowa where he
later became an instructor. He started the jazz and percussion programs at UNI where the jazz
band toured local high schools to attract students to the program. He then left UNI to work for
Selmer Instrument Manufacturing and eventually Yamaha where he worked in marketing and
development.

Tears in Heaven Clapton

Eric Clapton is one of the most famous guitar players and singers in our current day. Clapton has
many acoustic songs that highlight guitar as the featured instrument. Other well known songs by
the Grammy Award winner include “Layla”, “Wonderful Tonight”, and “Sunshine of Your Love”
which was produced by his former band, Cream. Eric Clapton is known as one of the most
successful and influential musicians of our time.
 Program Notes
Ici Bas Fauré

Ici-bas tous les lilas meurent, Down here all lilacs are dying,
Tous les chants des oiseaux sont courts; all the songs of the birds are short;
Je rêve aux étés qui demeurtent I dream of the summers which last
Toujours... Forever…

Ici-bas les lèvres effleurent Down here lips touch

Sans rien laisser de leurs velours; without parting with any of their velvet;
Je rêve aux baisers qui demeurent I dream of the kisses which last
Toujours... Forever...

Ici-bas tous les hommes pleurent Down here all men weep for
Leurs amitiés ou leurs amours; their friendships or their loves;
Je rêve aux couples qui demeurent toujours I dream of the couples who last
Toujours... Forever...

This piece, composed by Faure, demonstrates the mortality of life and, moreover, the longing
for a life that does not end. The speaker emphasizes the fact that on earth, everything is finite.
Gabriel Faure was a French composer who had a great impact on French music. During his
prime, he performed in grand salons in Paris. These salons were the perfect venue for his lyrical
style of music which can be heard in “Içi Bas.”

Three Designs for Three Timpani Muczynski

“Three Designs for Three Timpani” was composed by Robert Muczynski in 1960. He was a Polish-
American composer born in 1929 and died in 2010. He composed over 50 pieces in his career.
He instructed music at DePaul University, Loras College, and Roosevelt University.

Allegro in A Minor Carcassi

Composed by Italian guitarist Matteo Carcassi, “Allegro in A minor” is a piece consisting of

arpeggiated sixteenth notes and occasional eighth notes. Carcassi requires the use of technical
skills in his compositions. Contrasting dynamics to his works create a sense of deep emotion and
tension. The minor key of this piece adds to the emotional, melancholic feel.
 Program Notes
An den Mond Schubert

Geuss, lieber Mond, geuss deine Silberflimmer Beloved moon, shed your silver radiance
Durch dieses Buchengrün, through these green beeches,
Wo Phantasien und Traumgestalten where fancies and dreamlike images
Immer vor mir vorüberfliehn. forever flit before me.
Enthülle dich, dass ich die Stätte finde, Unveil yourself, that I may find the spot
Wo oft mein Mädchen sass, where my beloved sat, where often,
Und oft, im Wehn des Buchbaums und der Linde, in the swaying branches of the beech and lime,
Der goldnen Stadt vergass. she forgot the gilded town.
Enthülle dich, dass ich des Strauchs mich freue, Unveil yourself, that I may delight in the whispering
Der Kühlung ihr gerauscht, bushes that cooled her,
Und einen Kranz auf jeden Anger streue, and lay a wreath on that meadow
Wo sie den Bach belauscht. where she listened to the brook.
Dann, lieber Mond, dann nimm den Schleier wieder, Then, beloved moon, take your veil once more,
Und traur um deinen Freund, and mourn for your friend.
Und weine durch den Wolkenflor hernieder, Weep down through the hazy clouds,
Wie dein Verlassner weint! as the one you have forsaken weeps.

An den Mond, or “to the moon” is a piece of music composed by Franz Schubert. The lyrics to
this piece are taken from a poem by German poet Goethe. The speaker in this poem is observing
the moon and is noticing that the moon is his constant companion. Schubert demonstrated an
early gift for music and could play many instruments. When he composed, he often used
Goethe’s poetry as lyrics to his compositions.

Kumamoto Castle Moore

Dan Moore’s collection "Wandering" takes the listener on a journey through the world.
“Kumamoto Castle” is the Japanese section of the journey and takes the listener on a trip that
makes you feel that you are visiting the actual castle the song is named after. The castle is
surrounded by beautiful landscapes. This song perfectly encapsulates the feeling one would
have visiting this ancient castle on a hill.
 Program Notes
I Attempt from Love's Sickness From The Indian Queen Purcell

Henry Purcell was an English composer known for theater music in the late 1600s. This piece is
from Purcell’s unfinished opera The Indian Queen, which he began a year before his death. In the
opera, this piece is sung by Queen Zempoalla and, while it has a bright sound and a light
accompaniment, it has a dark undertone as the lyrics have a melancholy feeling.

Mr. Powers Brooks

“This piece gives listeners that groovy ‘60’s vibe. The first section is a straight ahead ‘60s rock n’
roll groove, and should be played almost square. The second section, with its lazy swing feel,
should give the listener just a bit of classic Burt Bachrach” (adapted from program notes written
by Brooks).

Chris Brooks is a co-writer of the "Row-Loff" percussion books, which comprises percussion solos,
duets, and ensembles. He co-released The Snare Drummer’s Toolbox with Chris Cockarell in 2010.

My Friend Norman Pratt

“My Friend Norman” was written and arranged by John S. Pratt as part of the final solo in Pratt's
well known book 14 Modern Contest Solos For Snare Drum. The piece is a culmination of all the
skills and technique that one has mastered throughout the book. It features tons of different
rhythms, techniques, syncopations, and unexpected accents to challenge the performer. It
serves as a good test of what you have learned up until that point. Though the book does give
you a large amount of solos to choose from for any performance, it is heavily used in instruction.
 Program Notes
Release the Kraken (2016) Willmarth
“Ancient tales of the Kraken go back as far as the 13th century, commonly described as an
octopus or squid-like creature big enough to crush large ships. Today, the legend of the Kraken
lives on in sea lore.

This action-packed, programmatic work, depicts an attack from the mythical sea creature.
Dramatic swells at the beginning evoke the image of the giant monster stirring at the bottom of
the ocean. As the piece develops, the Kraken emerges, wreaking havoc and destruction. Interplay
between the players is meant to portray the creature's tentacles as they flail wildly in a
coordinated attack. At the conclusion, the Kraken descends back into the murky depths from
which it came.” (Adapted from performance notes written by Willmarth).

Air Gai Berlioz

“Air Gai” is a piece composed by modern French composer G.P Berlioz. While Berlioz specialized
in organ and piano, his compositions include features for various percussion and brass
instruments as well.

Verdrai Carino from Don Giovanni Mozart

Verdrai, carino, You'll see, you cute thing,
se sei buonino, If you'll be good,
Che bel rimedio What a nice cure
ti voglio dar! I want to give you!
È naturale, It's natural,
non dà disgusto, It doesn't cause aversion
E lo speziale And the apothecary
non lo sa far. can't do it.
È un certo balsamo It's a certain balm
Ch’io porto addosso, I have with me,
Dare tel posso, I can give it to you
Se il vuoi provar. If you want to try it.
Saper vorresti Would you like to know
dove mi sta? Where it is?
Sentilo battere, Listen to its beat,
toccami qua! It is here!

This aria can be found in Act II of the opera Don Giovanni and is sung by the character Zerlina.
This opera was written by Mozart in 1787 at the height of his musical career. This piece is sung
to Zerlina’s fiance Masetto after he is badly beaten after a fight. This piece is light and
undergoes many rhythmic shifts. The piano accompaniment adds to the light feel and the ⅜
time gives the vocal line a deliberate feel.
 Program Notes
Bourée in E Minor Bach

“Bourée” is a classical piece written by one of the most well known Baroque Era composers, J.S.
Bach. “Bourée” was written in the early 1700’s. Bach is known for his Brandenburg Concertos,
and many instrumental compositions. “Bourée” is a simple, yet beautiful piece that is composed
of a bass line and melody. Also known as his fifth movement from Suite in E minor for Lute,
“Bouree” uses contrary motion to make the bassline and melody distinct from one another. This
composition uses special fingerstyle techniques that are challenging due to the required crossing
of fingers.

V'adoro Pupille from Giulio Cesare Handel

V'adoro, pupille,
I adore your eyes,
saette d'amore,
arrows of love
le vostre faville
Your sparkles
son grate nel sen.
are pleasing in my chest.

Pietose vi brama
Have pity on
il mesto mio core,
my sad heart
ch'ogn'ora vi
That at every hour calls
chiama
the lover your beloved.
l'amato suo ben.

V’adoro Pupille is an aria from Handel’s opera "Giulio Cesare." This piece, whose title means “I
adore your eyes” is sung by Cleopatra. Cleopatra is a very strong character and in this opera,
her darker vocal timbre is usually contrasted by singers with a lighter timbre. This piece is sung
as Cleopatra is attempting to seduce Julius Caesar. The repetition of the phrase “v’adoro
pupille” demonstrates Cleopatra’s determination to seduce Julius Caesar.
 Program Notes
The Downfall of Paris The Union Army Band

“The Downfall of Paris” is a traditional fife-and-drum piece composed by the Union Army Band
during the American Civil War. Written around 1862, it was traditionally used to declare bedtime
at Union camps. The piece gets its name from the fife melody, which was borrowed from a
melody sung by French Revolutionaries as they seized the city of Paris in 1792, titled “Ça Ira”
(translating to “It’ll be Fine). This performance will feature only the drum portion of the piece

Romance in Eb Ostransky

“Romance in Eb” is in the classical style and is featured in the book Concerts and Contests
Collection. This piece is composed by Leroy Ostransky, an American composer, music educator,
and the author of books on jazz. Ostransky grew up in the Jewish ghetto in the Lower East Side of
New York City. He started off his musical career as a jazz pianist at a club and worked to earn his
doctorate at State University of Iowa. Ostronsky went on to publish 75 educational pieces and
composed 5 works that were performed by the Seattle Symphony. In 1975, Ostransky was named
one of twelve greatest teachers in America.

Weep You No More Sad Fountains from Seven Elizabethan Songs, Op. 12 Quilter

“Weep You No More Sad Fountains” is an English ballad from the Elizabethan era. The lyrics are
taken from a poem that is thought to have been written by lute players in the 17th-century. This
song represents the melancholy feeling of the listener and the song alludes to the idea that the
listener is saddened by someone’s death as each stanza ends with “sleeping.” The piece reflects
the religious undertones of the time present in the line “my sun’s heavenly eyes view not your
weeping.” Additionally, there is a very consistent rhyme scheme that adds to the somber feel
and is demonstrative of the Elizabethan era.

Caprice No. 2 Legnani

Italian musician and composer Luigi Legnani wrote 36 Caprices that covered all major and minor
keys. Legnani was known as one of the lead guitarists in the 19th century by fellow musicians,
and toured around Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. This is a very complicated piece that uses
challenging techniques such as arpeggiating sixteenth notes, pull offs, and notes covering the
entire fretboard.
Red Bank Regional Board of Education
Superintendent: Dr. Louis Moore
Business Administrator: Ms. Debra Pappagallo
President: Mr. Randy Mendelson
Vice President: Mr. Patrick Noble
Mr. Scott McBride
Ms. Emily Doherty
Mr. John Garofalo
Ms. Memone Crystian
Ms. Tara Gibb
Mr. John Venino
MS. Jennifer Lipp

Red Bank Regional Administration

Principal: Mr. Julius Clark
Vice Principal: Mr. Robert Donohoe
Dean of Students: Mr. Alan Choback

VPA Staff
Supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts: Mrs. Lisa Boyle
Secretary of Visual & Performing Arts: Mrs. Josephine Suarez
Director of Instrumental Bands: Ms. Kathryn Sarlo
Director of Vocal and Choral Studies: Mr. Brian Krajcik
Director of Strings Studies: Mr. Jeffrey Boga
Director of Piano Studies: Ms. Victoria Borrelli