Program Notes
Jennifer Sato / Esther Minwary Recital 4-24-01

Luis Gascon, saxophone
Esther Minwary, viola
Bear McCreary, accordion
Teresa Flores, watercooler bottle
Ben Joella, bass
Shannon Mack, conductor

Three Pieces for Quintet

I. Astor's Clock
II. Procession
III. Tango

         The final piece on the program this evening was composed at the request of Jennifer Sato and Esther Minwary. These pieces are a continuation of an earlier set of three pieces, entitled Three Pieces for Quartet, that was written for accordion, saxophone, watercooler bottle and bass.

III. Tango

         The first movement was intended to evoke the sounds of an old, rusty clock. The title refers to the famous bandoneon and accordion performer/composer Astor Piazzolla, whose work is an influence on many accordion players.

         The second movement begins with a melody and open-fifth drone, reminiscent of Gregorian chant. The processional section was not intended to sound funereal, but meditative and pensive.

         Lastly, the third movement represents more traditional accordion writing, in an energetic Latin-influenced dance