NOTICE: Classes canceled today due to weather conditions. Check Blackboard for communication from your instructors.
BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Department of Music of Southwest Baptist University will present “Frostiana” and “A Song of Moses,” at its annual Masterworks Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 5 in Pike Auditorium on the Bolivar campus.
The department’s massed choirs, the SBU Wind Symphony and area musicians will be under the direction of Dr. James R. Tarrant, director of choral studies and professor of music at SBU, while Jonathan Wehmeyer, instructor of theatre, will be assisting.
For almost half of a century, the Masterworks presentation annually provides southwest Missouri audiences the opportunity to experience musical works that are best presented by the combined efforts of department, university, and community. The repertoire has included the great classics, the unfamiliar pearls, and modern compositions of significance.
Composed by Randall Thompson in 1958, “Frostiana” sets to music some of the most beloved poetry of Robert Frost, such as “The Road Not Taken” and “Choose Something Like a Star.” Both Thompson and Frost were present for the premiere performance on October 18, 1959. Thompson conducted and the choir was accompanied by piano. At the conclusion of "Choose Something Like A Star," Frost rose spontaneously from his seat and bellowed, "Sing that again!"
“A Song of Moses” was composed by Missourian David Holsinger to texts from the 32nd chapter of Deuteronomy. Holsinger’s style of changing meters, fast tempi, and driving rhythms are evident throughout the work.
The performance is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact the department of music at (417) 328-1644.