LACO / BASSics & Ballet Music April 9, 2006

BASSics & Ballet Music

Delight in American genius with the ballet Copland wrote for Martha Graham and the unique fusion of classical, bluegrass and other traditional styles that mark Edgar?s Meyer?s amazing compositions. LACO principal bass Susan Ranney says, ?Edgar Meyer is a soul that has decided to locate itself in a bass,? and the Democrat and Chronicle writes, ?In Meyer?s expressive hands, the bass was immediately transformed into a soaring, lyrical swan.? For his ballet on a commedia dell?arte plot, Stravinsky drew inspiration from music by early 18th century masters Pergolesi and Gallo.

?The impression [Edgar Meyer?s concerto] gives is of a lot of instruments having fun, with the soloist accomplishing prodigious feats along the way. With its palpable physicality, the bass seemed more Mr. Meyer?s partner than his tool ? His versatility should be celebrated.?

? The New York Times