Senior students showcase musicality
November 18, 2010
Oklahoma Baptist University presented the work of student Jee Choi in a senior recital Tuesday. Choi is an extremely talented cellist whose music was inspiring and alluring. The performance of the night was awe-inspiring and magical as the world of the cello was presented to all in a unique and charming way.
The performance opened with a piece entitled “Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major,” which consisted of beautiful dynamics and levels of intensity. This piece, performed by Choi, also included some times of intriguing uneasiness as well as very precise musical elements. “Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major” ended in a glorious way with a very dynamic ending.
Junior flautist Andre Jones, accompanied by Ron Lewis on piano, performed the next piece. This piece included smooth runs, incredibly good use of staccato and legato notes, as well as intriguing elements that gave the song a wide variety of melodies and harmonies.
Next in the recital was another performance by Choi accompanied by Philipp Gulidov, entitled “Sonata in G Major.” Consisting of two movements, this first movement of the piece included a strong consistent beat that produced rich harmonies. The second movement of the piece had an almost dance-like feel, with a repeated melody that never seemed to get old.
This movement also included a time of sorrowful sounds that jumped right back into an upbeat, marching rhythm.
Saxophonist Tabitha Wasik, accompanied by Ron Lewis on piano, performed the fourth song in the concert. This piece was filled to the brim with intense crescendos and decrescendos that gave the song an overall unique feel. In a way, with its magnificent harmonies, this song felt like a sort of sweet lullaby.
Next, Choi performed another piece entitled “Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14.” This song, with beautiful melodies, sounded much like a woman singing a sorrowful song. The song as a whole was filled with much emotion that had a very melancholy feel.
Jonathan Hamrick performed the next piece of the evening on the piano. This piece was entitled “Sonata in F Major,” and was an original composition. This song was lively, and transitioned well into a smoother, softer section.
The very last song of the evening was performed by Choi and was accompanied by Keith Whitmore on the piano. This song was entitled “Cello Concerto in D Minor” and was very fitting to end the concert. With a deep, emotional entrance, this song was full with broad sounds and had a suddenly lively section.
The performance demonstrated intricate melodies as well as a very powerful and demanding musicality. Overall Choi’s recital was extremely musical, as it perfectly displayed her talents as a cellist, as well as the many talents of others.
