Sample UCA Concert Critique

Pessimism ran high as I entered the Organ Recital Hall with low expectations due to my less than medium experience at the previous UCA concert I attended. On the contrary, the It Could Be Anything New Music Ensemble turned out to be a rather enjoyable experience. Directed by Dr. Wesley Ferreira and Professor Andrew Jacobson, the It Could Be Anything music ensemble featured the newer works of recent composers that embody the feeling of new music culture. The ensemble included various musicians and instruments, such as a violin, cello, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, and various percussion instruments. The Four songs featured in this performance were “New Year’s Harmattan” (2004), Robin Cox’s “Choros No. 7” (1924), Heitor Villa’s “Lobos” (1887-1959), and ending the performance was a shortened version of “Worker’s Union” (1975).

The ensemble opened up with “New Year’s Harmattan”, a low-intensity song accompanied by a video of African New Year dance visuals. Various percussion instruments made up the rhythm section of the song, while the violin or clarinet took the lead in the songs homophonic melody. Out of the various songs performed in the show, this one was my favorite. It’s mellow beats and flowing rhythm where very relaxing to me, unlike the various songs to come.

7”. In contrast to their previous song, this one had a gradually rising intensity with a rhythm section made up of a bass and bassoon. This song also has a lot of syncopation, with the violin often playing unexpected beats. The song had multiple melodies throughout its duration, each one having a different indexical connection for me. The song starts off as a lighthearted, almost old-time Disney like melody, then changes a fourth the way through to a crime drama melody. This song definitely accomplished the ensemble’s goal of showcasing the new type of music in the