Music Concert- From Baroque to Jazz
Arcadia University
450 S. Easton Rd.
Glenside, PA 19038
Baroque music refers to the period or dominant style of Western classical music composed
from about 1600 to 1750. The Baroque style followed the Renaissance period, and was
followed in turn by the Classical period after a short transition (the Galant style). The term
“baroque” comes from the Portuguese word barroco, meaning “misshapen pearl”. The works
of George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach are considered the
pinnacle of the Baroque period.
Improvisation was one of the most important characteristics of the Baroque music.
Keyboardist had to create accompaniment on a spot improvising according to the Basso
continuo, which provided the harmonic structure of the music by supplying a bassline and
a chord progression. Soloists were expected to use ornamentation the most elaborate way
and improvise cadenzas.
In jazz accompaniment is improvised over the given chordal changes, melody interpretation
is very free, and improvisation over the changes is essential. Overall, the use of
improvisation (Melodic and Chordal) in Baroque Music and Jazz Music is extremely similar
and links both genres of music.
Program starts with Sonata in D for cello, basso, and piano by one of J. S. Bach sons Johann
Christoph Friedrich Bach (1732 – 1795). This composition is “in-between” Baroque and
Galant styles. It’s composed for the new for this time instrument piano instead of
harpsichord and interestingly enough employs two bass instruments.
Valse by German composer Claus Ogerman (1930-2016) is sophisticatedly based on the
2nd movement Siciliano of the flute sonata BWV 1031 by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Arrangement of “Troubled Time” by outstanding jazz pianist Mark Kramer (1945) was
supervised and approved by author.
TRIO for cello, double bass, and piano is a crossover composition and doesn’t border self in
frames one particular genre, fusing classics, world, jazz, improvisation together. It also
gives me opportunity to bring together two my dear friends and collaborators: cellist George
Atanasiu, who represents “classical” side of the composition, and bassist Bruce Kaminsky,
who brings the “jazz vibe” into the flow. Piano is a point of the fusion of all. Trio contains 5
episodes performed “attacca” (no interruptions): Romance, Dance, Impromptu, Nigun (Song
Without Words), and Rondo.
Samuel Heifetz
Music Program Coordinator
Musicians:
Cellist of international acclaim, Dr. George Atanasiu received numerous prizes, medals,
and his public performances were broadcasted throughout Europe, United States, Asia, and
South America. He is Philly Pops Orchestra member since 1986 and collaborates regularly
with Opera Company of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra. Active conductor
in 2002 he became principal conductor of the Orvieto Festival of Strings in Italy. Dr. George
Atanasiu is teaching Cello, Chamber music, String ensemble, String pedagogy
internationally.
Bruce Kaminsky has performed with jazz artists like Tal Farlow, Jimmy Knepper, Larry
Coryell and Bucky Pizzarelli. For 28 years, he was a senior production member with the
International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) working directly with Dizzy Gillespie,
Chick Corea and Dave Holland.
Kaminsky created and is president of Kydd Products, Inc., manufacturer of Kydd Basses, a
compact, electric upright bass. His love of Middle Eastern music influenced him to create
The Spice Route Ensemble, which is a group comprised of Arabs and Jews that lead
residencies involving cultural cooperation through music.
Composer, arranger/orchestrator, pianist Samuel Heifetz was born in Latvia and worked at
the Latvian Philharmonic Society, recorded many shows on television and radio, performed
extensively throughout the former Soviet Union and Europe, and wrote music for theater
and films.
Sam moved to the United States in 1990 and in 1991 he made a successful debut at
Carnegie Hall. He has performed throughout Europe and the United States. His discography
includes 6 albums with major labels. For past 22 years he serves as a music professor at
Arcadia University.