The Geneseo Wind Quintet performed an impressive concert in Doty Recital Hall on Sunday Feb. 8. Although the group includes only five members, the quintet produced a strong presence with each member contributing his or her own specific musical skills.
All members of the GWQ are a part of the school’s faculty. The group includes adjunct faculty in music Glennda Dove-Pellito on flute, oboe instructor Megan Kyle on oboe, adjunct faculty in music Ernest Lascell on clarinet, adjunct faculty in music Martha Sholl on bassoon and adjunct faculty in music Mary Hunt on French horn.
The quintet began its performance with Otto Mortensen’s “Quintette.” With this first piece, the members of the quintet showcased their abilities not only as individual instrumentalists, but also as a group. The quintet carried a sweet, understated melody throughout the piece with members effortlessly varying the tune.
For its second piece, the group performed Julius Röntgen’s “Trio for Flute, Oboe and Bassoon, Op. 86.” Only Pellito, Kyle and Sholl remained on stage to play as a trio. Because only three of the instrumentalists performed this piece, the flute, oboe and bassoon were more clearly heard than before. With a combination of small solos and graceful collaboration, the trio’s talents were highlighted more than in the first performance.
The third piece of the concert was a solo––Lascell performed Herbert Couf’s “Introduction, Dance and Furioso.” Lascell pleasantly surprised the audience by switching out his clarinet for a saxophone. His musical presence echoed throughout the recital hall as he captivated with his clean, crisp sound.
For the quintet’s final piece of the night, the five reunited to play Jeff Scott’s arrangement of Astor Piazzolla’s “Libertango.” As a tango, this piece assumed a different flavor from the others––it began with a louder, more contemporary intro. The final crescendo ended powerfully, leaving the audience with a positive, lasting impression of the quintet’s talent.
The GWQ proved its versatility and skill, leading the audience to give a lengthy round of applause. The group’s ability to perform in a variety of combinations and styles illustrates each of its members’ talents, both as musicians and as performers.