Listeners in for a treat

It was Chopin that said "simplicity is the highest goal, achievable when you have overcome all difficulties." That is what the Wind Ensemble is: simple. Or at least that's the way they make everything sound. \nIt's not the simplicity alone that makes this group remarkable. It's the type of music they play and the way they perform it that sets them apart. Don't be deceived: their ability to perform well comes at no small cost. We don't see the endless hours of preparation - that creates the simplicity. \nLast Tuesday under the direction of Dr. Ray Cramer, the 57 member ensemble performed literature by Grantham, Torke, Barnes, and other lesser known composers. Seconds of playing revealed the high caliber of this group. Their sonority was dark and rich. Their technique was exemplary - lyrical passages flowed seamlessly. \n"The band plays very well lyrically, especially in the Grantham (piece)," said Paul Tucker, principal saxophonist. "Musically, Dr. Cramer was able to pull a lot out of us."\nI couldn't agree more. Melodies remained seamless while traveling from one instrument to the next. This ensemble has almost perfected the art of "passing the line." If done correctly, this results in one simple lyrical passage. But again, there's nothing simple about it - It takes skill and careful practice.\nThis talent paid off in the premiere of the Donald Grantham piece "Come, Memory." The title was taken from a poem written by Donald Justice -- "On the Death of Friends in Childhood." This work was commissioned by several organizations to pay tribute to those who were lost, those who survived, and those who performed heroic acts on Sept. 11, 2001. This was no ordinary piece, nor did the band treat it as such. It began with the symbolic representation of the attacks and concluded as a sobering hymn - a hymn of remembrance. At the conclusion, everything was lifeless. The performers didn't move. The audience didn't clap. And just as it was on September 11, those few seconds seemed like an eternity - an eternity that permanently stained all of our memories. \nThe Wind Ensemble also shows impeccable depth. From the principal clarinetist to the bassist, each one played magnificently. Each section displays its mastery in different ways. "Fantasy Variations" displayed the clarinet section's ability to play highly technical passages sustained over long periods of time. Most importantly, they did this while maintaining perfect unity. The flutes echoed similar technical passages. In addition, the low brass had a magnificent tone and breathtaking ability to play lyrical melodies, as evidenced in the Barnes piece. Furthermore, I was most impressed with the french horn section. They achieved an amazing characteristic horn sound and their accuracy is commended. Each attack was precisely executed with little or no error.\nIt takes a fantastic group of musicians to maintain standards like these. IU certainly has their fair share. This concert highlighted only a few, but they certainly deserve the accolades. The principal oboist, Laura Schmidt, and english horn player, Richard McKay, demonstrated outstanding musicality. McKay tackled the english horn solos with incredible ease, demonstrating both his gorgeous tone and mastery of the instrument. He did an excellent job of keeping the upper register in tune, which is problematic for many english horn players. Schmidt had an equally impressive evening, demonstrating her ability to play both technically and lyrically. Her solos in "Fantasy Variations" were impeccably accurate and soothing. She has achieved a tone that most oboists would die for.\nIndividuality is an enormous aspect of music. It's an artistic creation formed to emulate interpretation. Behind that individuality is an important principle: good ensembles play as an individual group - not like a group of individuals. Ray Cramer's ensemble has certainly learned that principle. They have developed a warm sonorous sound that embodies unity. It's a sound that marks simplicity - but we know better.\nFor a complete listing of upcoming concert dates and times log onto www.music.indiana.edu.