A Great Trombone Recital

Last night (Feb 25), Nolan Hauta gave his senior recital on trombone at the Humanities Fine Arts Center Recital Hall on the University of Minnesota, Morris campus. Accompanied by Emily Carroll on organ and piano, the program was as follows:

• Concert Rondo K. 371 Mozart
• Concert Piece No. 5 Blazhevitch
• Sonata No. 1 in a minor Galliard
• Reflective Mood Nestico
• Intermission
• Solo de Concours Veronge de la Nux
• Pastorale Frackenpohl
• Grand Concerto Grafe

After a shaky start on the beginning of the Mozart, the rest of the concert turned out quite well. Mr. Hauta displayed great ingenuity in developing his cadenzas for a few of the pieces (especially the Mozart) and showed great skill in the lower register. His warm vibrato was showcased in the slower pieces. Unfortunately, his pianos did not carry the same strength in tone and sounded with a fuzzy articulation. All in all though, it was a very good recital.

The more noteworthy pieces in my mind included the rondo, Reflective Mood, Pastorale, and the concerto. After he regained control, the Mozart was phenomenal. The piece required an agility and accuracy that was extraordinary. Reflective Mood was my favorite piece on the program, having a big band feel that made it sound as if Tommy Dorsey might have been the original soloist. Pastorale was a light and crisp selection, not to mention the most modern sounding composition on the recital. Grand Concerto was a monster 13 minute long selection, which made one fell exhausted for the soloist after it was finished.

If I may make one plea, check out your local college to see what concerts are being presented by the music department. With student and faculty recitals, not to mention all of the ensembles that also perform, universities offer great performances that generally cost little or nothing to attend. Furthermore, attending these recitals supports young musicians, an excellent reason indeed.