Monday Musicale with the Maestro – August 10, 2020 – The Joys of Chamber Music, Live or Virtual!

The Joys of Chamber Music, Live or Virtual!

Chamber music is a form of classical music composed or arranged for small ensembles and originally intended for domestic use (i.e. in the home or small spaces.)  I like to call this “music between friends.” To observe players engaged in this activity is to witness an intimate musical dialogue. Adding to this quality is the fact that chamber music does not require the guidance (or tyranny!) of a conductor.

My principal instrument was the viola, and I fondly remember chamber music sessions where the idea was not to prepare something for a paid performance, but just for the sheer pleasure of making music. At these gatherings, fun, fellowship, and passionate music-making flowed freely (as well as the wine!)  There is much to be learned from such sessions—not least, the pure joy and creativity at the root of all fine performances.

In the era of COVID-19, large gatherings of musicians are problematic, a situation that has proven frustrating for orchestral musicians. Yet home music-making and virtual videos have flourished—the spirit of chamber music, alive and well!  Today we’re proud to feature such a collaboration including the superb playing, arranging, and editing of several Durham Symphony brass players in company with friends. (See end credits for the full list of performers!)

Virtual Chamber Brass was founded this year by Durham Symphony’s Principal Trumpet Ed Gunther and also includes our Principal Horn (Elliott Stanger), 2nd Horn (Ian Blegen), and 3rd Horn (Jacob Kaden).  This video is their first international collaboration, with players from New York City, France, North Carolina, Michigan, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Minnesota!

Here they perform Ian Blegen’s arrangement of Ludwig Göransson’s theme from the TV series The Mandalorian.  Audio editing is by Ed Gunther; video production is by Matthew Jermiason.  Enjoy!

William Henry Curry
Music Director, Durham Symphony Orchestra