Compositional elements in the cello suite Canciones de la noche by James Kraus
Presenter Status
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra
Second Presenter Status
Minister of Music, First United Methodist Church of St. Joseph, MI
Presentation Type
Lecture Recital
Session
Music Performance
Location
Howard Performing Arts Center
Start Date
6-5-2016 5:10 PM
End Date
6-5-2016 5:40 PM
Presentation Abstract
Working with the motives presented in the opening sections of the first movement of this suite, Kraus builds melodic continuity and theme transformation in the following five movements. The organic nature of the musical material modifies the formal structure of each movement. While not programmatic, each movement is based on an impression or character which informs the development of the musical motives. Though the piece is tonal in nature, the use of poly-tonality, shifting tonal centers, modal variation and dissonant techniques creates the color and tension within each movement. We will present the initial motives and then show their development in subsequent movements. Finally we will discuss our experience in collaborating with the composition process as performer and composer.
Biographical Sketch
Aaron Sinnett is a cellist from Wisconsin but resides near Berrien Springs. He has a B.Mus. in music performance (2004) from Andrews University and a M.Mus. in music performance (2006) from Michigan State University. He teaches private cello lessons and serves as an artist in residence to several middle schools and high schools. He also plays with a number of orchestras including South Bend Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, and Southwest Michigan Symphony. He is actively involved with Andrews University Symphony Orchestra leading out in the cello section and performing in the concerts. He has been featured as soloist with AUSO both as a student while attending Andrews University and while he was teaching as adjunct professor from 2008-2011. Mr. Sinnett recently collaborated with Mr. Kraus to give a recital in Wisconsin in which Mr. Kraus’ “Canciones de la noche” was given the world premiere.
James Kraus has music degrees from Asbury University, University of South Florida and Asbury Theological Seminary. Mr. Kraus has worked in Church Music for over 35 years and is currently the Minister of Music at the St. Joseph First United Methodist Church where he has been since 1993. Mr. Kraus has studied composition with various composers, including Gilbert Roller, Ken Logan, Zhou Lang, Bob Chilcott and Steven Stamez. He has composed sacred cantatas for soloists, choir and orchestra as well as various orchestral, choral, solo vocal and instrumental works.
Compositional elements in the cello suite Canciones de la noche by James Kraus
Howard Performing Arts Center
Working with the motives presented in the opening sections of the first movement of this suite, Kraus builds melodic continuity and theme transformation in the following five movements. The organic nature of the musical material modifies the formal structure of each movement. While not programmatic, each movement is based on an impression or character which informs the development of the musical motives. Though the piece is tonal in nature, the use of poly-tonality, shifting tonal centers, modal variation and dissonant techniques creates the color and tension within each movement. We will present the initial motives and then show their development in subsequent movements. Finally we will discuss our experience in collaborating with the composition process as performer and composer.