Natchitoches Rocks, sort of

From Iris Harper:

This bit of information came in my email this morning and it intrigued me.   First I know that Northwestern has a incredible music department and we are so fortunate that free concerts are offered all the time from a such a talented group BUT playing the same piece of music for 20 hours deserves some attention.   

What's so perfect, besides being free, is that I can drop by with Abbie, my 30 month old granddaughter and give her a taste of art, culture and music without her getting totally restless.  It's a come and go as you like event perfect for everyone.   Enjoy.    

Sent by David West, NSU News Bureau: The NSU Contemporary Music Ensemble will present a complete performance of French composer Erik Satie's "Vexations" April 8-9 in Magale Recital Hall on the campus of Northwestern State University. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and conclude by 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Composed in 1893, "Vexations" consists of a chorale melody based on an 11-note tone row followed by two variations which is then repeated 840 times. By performing the work at the suggested tempo a complete performance will last around 20 hours.

Satie (1866-1925) is best known for his piano music including the work "Gymnopedies". Despite a lack of formal training Satie anticipated many of the most important trends in contemporary music including minimalism and performance art while influencing composers from Claude Debussy to John Cage.

According to Satie, "it would be advisable to prepare oneself beforehand, and in the deepest silence for serious immobility¹s."  The work will be performed by a combination of vibraphone, piano and cello.

The NSU Contemporary Music Ensemble consists of NSU students Brad Smith, Nathan Glassy, J. C. Bryant, Corey Joachim and NSU faculty member Paul Christopher, all of whom are committed to the performance of new music as well as influential masterpieces of the past 150 years.  In addition, NSU studio art major Jeremy Jones and NSU faculty member Leslie Gruesbeck will be providing artwork to enhance the performance.

Admission is free and open to the public. Audience members are invited to enter at any time during the performance or stay for the duration. In addition donations will be accepted to support the work of the Hub Ministry in their effort to help the homeless in the Shreveport/Bossier area.

For more information call (318) 357-5802.

Visit our website for additional information www.natchitoches.net