Why is the Sonoran Winds Concerts Many People's Favorite Concert?
Hints: No two instruments are alike, and there is a lot being said in between the notes.

On November 18 & 19, Arizona Philharmonic's principal woodwind players once again take the stage as the Sonoran Winds Quintet, this time in two different locations: Scottsdale's ASU Kerr, and of course Prescott's Ruth Street Theater.

Longtime readers of these musings know that the woodwind quintet is one of my favorite chamber ensembles. In a woodwind quintet, you can tell exactly which musician is playing what line of music, because each instrument sounds very different. Last year, I wrote articles about why this is, based upon some of the different physics involved and the differences in each instrument's tessituras (ranges). Instantly knowing who is playing what part of the music is really fun: you easily can watch the person making the sound that most captures your attention. It is for this very reason that our volunteer coordinator, Larry Levenson, recently remarked that this concert is his favorite concert of the year.

Another reason I enjoy watching chamber concerts is because the performers more visibly reflect the music in their movements. This is because there is no conductor. Instead, each performer is responsible for nonverbally communicating to their fellow players what is about to happen musically: when a note is going to start or end, so everybody starts and stops together; how the music will speed up or slow down, so the ensemble stays together; and even what kind emotion they are evoking, so everybody can contribute to a consistent expression. 

Consider also the differences between how string players, with their bows moving up and down or on and off the string, can communicate, and how woodwind players, whose fingers stay close to the instrument's keys at all times, must communicate. For a string player, a lot is "said" with the way a performer moves the bow to prepare and then attack the string. For a woodwind player, similar communication must happen with how the player breathes in and moves the body before starting a note. For instance, a long slow breath in may indicate a gentle, slow musical line, while a quick and excited breath in could indicate a rapid succession of notes will follow. 

I am a bit late in starting my series of discussions on the upcoming concert, I have been involved in organizing some exciting projects for AZ Phil, and partly because my wife Maria and I have prepared and given a couple of concert recitals this past month. Over the next week, I'll be sending two to three more emails talking about the pieces being played. I'll be showing how each composer, in one way or another, has chosen to write their piece in a style outside of some "norm". Yet, whether the composer is writing in an older style, a more conservative style, or in a different genre, they each have brought a very high craft to the piece. The end results are always beautiful, probably familiar, and still fresh. I think you'll find this batch of articles particularly interesting and informative.

Come catch the Sonoran Winds Quintet in Scottsdale at the charming and intimate ASU Kerr recital hall on Saturday, November 18, 7:30, or in Prescott's acoustically amazing hall, the Ruth Street Theater, on Sunday, November 19, at 3:00. You'll see and hear some of the best woodwind players in the state playing great music.

- Henry Flurry, Artistic Director

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