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Christmas Spectacular

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Concert Review: Christmas Spectacular

On Thursday, December 7, 2023, I had the pleasure of attending the Christmas

Spectacular concert, highlighting the Harding University Chorus, Chamber Singers, String

Quartet, and Jazz Band, held at the Anthony and Wright Administration Auditorium. As a Music

Appreciation student, I was excited to encounter a diverse range of musical styles and to analyze

the various aspects of music performed.

Describe The Music

The concert started with a choice of traditional Christmas carols, for example, "Hodie

Christus natus est," "The Coventry Carol," and "In dulci jubilo," highlighting the ensembles'

proficient harmonization and vocal blending. Dr. Alyssa Koay's capable piano accompaniment

added depth to the melodies, elevating the overall listening experience. Strikingly, the concert

highlighted diverse musical styles, exemplified by the course of action of "Carol of the Bells" by

Peter J. Wilhousky, incorporating a combination of classical and jazz elements. The piece started

with a sluggish, atmospheric introduction, bit by bit building to an exhilarating climax, providing

a fresh and exciting perspective and showcasing the performers' versatility.

Observations

The concert was a vibrant display of the performers' genuine enjoyment, making an

infectious and welcoming atmosphere that resonated with the audience. The chamber singers,

specifically, showed a palpable passion for the music, obvious in their enthusiastic expressions

all through the performance. Strikingly, the effective use of dynamics added depth to the musical

experience, with ensembles skillfully transitioning between soft, gentle moments and loud,

triumphant passages, keeping the audience engaged and captivated.

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A key takeaway from the concert was the significance of teamwork in music. Each

ensemble member assumed an essential part in crafting a cohesive and polished performance.

The seamless collaboration was especially featured during the piano duets, where Dr. Scott

Carrell and Dr. Alyssa Koay displayed their musical synergy, trading melodies and harmonies

effortlessly. This emphasized the importance of collective effort and coordination in making a

memorable and harmonious musical experience.

Comparison To Class Music

While listening to the concert, I really wanted to contrast the performances with the

music we have studied in class. One key difference was the level of complexity in the

arrangements. A considerable lot of the pieces performed at the concert were more mind

boggling than those we have analyzed, with layered harmonies and interweaving melodies. This

added depth caused the music to feel richer and seriously engaging.

Mood and Emotion

The concert effectively caught the essence of the holiday season by making a festive and

joyful atmosphere through spirited ensemble performances and familiar carols, cultivating a

strong sense of community among the audience. The music shifted back and forth among

nostalgic and uplifting, evoking cherished memories and bringing audience members into a

celebratory mood. Furthermore, the concert inspired reflection and contemplation with additional

subdued and reverent pieces like "The First Noel," provoking the audience to pause and

appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. These moments of introspection added a welcomed

balance to the overall experience, making a harmonious blend of festive festival and meaningful

contemplation.
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Conclusion

The Christmas Spectacular concert was a resounding success, showcasing the exceptional

talent of the Harding University music ensembles. The diverse range of musical styles and

careful arrangement of the set list made a captivating and engaging experience for the audience.

Attending this concert permitted me to deepen my appreciation for the artistry.