The World’s Fair in Paris in 1889 opened the European world to the rest of the world. The Eiffel Tower is the only example that physically remains of that extraordinary fair. But the world changed in many ways. The exhibitions included the cultures of diverse peoples and the people themselves. The souvenirs of that fair were almost as diverse as the exhibitions.
Many important European composers attended in 1889. Is it a coincidence that their music changed… literally overnight? They became aware of the beauties beyond their borders. Far flung European empires became all the more encompassing.
French composer Maurice Ravel is an excellent example of this transformation. This was the case, exemplified by the first piece on the program on Sunday afternoon in Piedmont’s Center for the Arts. Ravel was inspired by the “exotic“ aspect of the Orient. (We use the word Asia now instead of Orient.) His music added new flavors in music which resonated with his listeners. The music allowed the listeners’ imagination to take flight. The gas-filled dirigibles were around, but airplanes were a generation away.
The important name of the time was Nadar. The Wright Brothers had to wait.
Ravel offered his musical perspective. Soprano Jennifer Lien explained her standpoint from a different perspective. Her’s is an authentically Asian one. Some might think that the difference of opinion was a combat instead of a basic conundrum. Fortunately, music forces us to think in a wider perspective.
Ravel was the only historical composer on Sunday’s program. What came next were compositions by Melissa Dunphy, Kamala Sankaram, and Justine F. Chen. All of these composers are contemporary, and the music was co-commissioned by soprano Jennifer Lien.
The whole concert was like going to an art exhibition. Each artist sees things from an original and unique perspective. As a result, all of us grow in understanding and form our own conclusions.
Every composition was deeply felt and convincingly performed. I believe the performers had preconceptions and presented them with conviction. You might consider van Gogh‘s artistic interpretation of Hiroshige for example.
Another example is the somewhat stilted Japanese hodgepodge of Puccini‘s opera, Madame Butterfly.
Speaking specifically of the performers, I was not alone in thinking that soprano Jennifer Lien has a fine voice and outstanding stage presence. Gwendolyn Mok was the pianist and put the program together. She exemplified a world of experience. Their collaboration was tightly knit and very convincing. The result was a very positive musical experience.
The printed program was simple and elegant. At the bottom was a single sentence which was very important.
“All of the modern compositions were co- commissioned by soprano Jennifer Lien and Cincinnati Song Initiative with generous funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board (2024).”
What an inspiration this is. Wouldn’t it be nice if Piedmont’s City Hall would be likewise inspired. The citizens of Piedmont are indeed fortunate to enjoy the presentations of our Center for the Arts. Our art center is known throughout the world, but wouldn’t it be nice to get some support from City Hall.
