Melomanie

2/1/2009 3:13:00 AM
CONCERT REVIEW: Ensemble musicians go for Baroque By Susan L. Peña Reading Eagle Correspondent
The ensemble Melomanie has carved out a unique niche for itself, which it demonstrated in a concert presented by the Albright College Friends of Music in the college’s Center for the Arts.
Tracy Richardson played the harpsichord; Kimberly Reighley played Baroque and modern flutes; Douglas McNames played a 1708 cello; Donna Fournier played the viola da gamba; and guest Rainer Beckmann played recorders.
In every case they played with sensitivity and attention to detail; their choice of material was interesting and highlighted their many gifts.
Beckmann had his turn with "Blue Mosque for Bass Recorder" by Dutch contemporary composer Jacques Bank. The exotic sounds, produced by various extended techniques, called forth the calls of the muezzins of Istanbul. It was a tour de force unlike anything I’ve heard on a recorder.
Contact correspondent Susan L. Peña at entertainment@readingeagle.com.