Audience taken with string of songs

by Cynthia Taura copy editor

Students and non-students alike took part in watching the string quintet of concerto soloists on Thursday, March 15, 1999 at the Mansion. Sponsored by the fine arts department, it was promised that this experience would be an "evening that will take you away to Vienna."

The three men, two women quintet played pieces from Mozart, Strauss, Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert and Lehar.

Alt,hough some of the pieces may seem unfamiliar to an audience member, one could come to the realization that they are, in fact, acquainted with the music. Junior Jane Barnett said, "It was very relaxing. I enjoyed it because they played pieces I was familiar with."

The five members of the quintet are also part of a chamber orchestra. They have been playing together for "20 years on and off." Violist Alexandra Leem became the newest member when she joined three years ago. The chamber orchestra consists of 16 strings, along with harpsichords and winds.

The quintet chose the pieces based on composers who lived and worked in Vienna in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Bass players Miles Davis said that the quintet has performed internationally, nationally and in area colleges.

The quintet played 10 pieces altogether, but then added an encore of "Pizzicato Polka" by Strauss at the end. What was interesting about this encore was that instead of using the bows with their instruments, they plucked the strings with their fingers.

Based on the reaction of the audience, the entire experience seemed to have a positive effect. "It's better live than listening to it on tape. It's much better live, it's more enjoyable," said sophomore Martin Day.

First-year student Melissa Feehan also had a positive reaction. "It was better than the opera," Feehan said.