Two Marshall University professors will perform on historical instruments when they present “Pastorale: Woodwinds from the 19th Century” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, in Smith Recital Hall on Marshall’s Huntington campus.
Oboist Dr. Richard Kravchak and flutist Dr. Wendell Dobbs will be joined by a third faculty member, pianist Dr. Henning Vauth, when they perform on 19th century instruments for the free performance. According to Dobbs, this practice is making a comeback in higher education.
“The historical predecessors of modern woodwind instruments are receiving ever-increasing attention on college campuses,” Dobbs said. “It offers a unique look into the longevity of the tools, as well as into the history of the music and performers of the time.”
Kravchak will perform on the 19th century oboe by Wolf, patterned after the oboe by Golde and the 19th century antique English horn by Triebert. Dobbs will play a mid-19th century Parisian flute by Nonon and an early 20th century wooden flute made by Haynes.
First on the program will be a medley of themes from “William Tell” by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868). Listeners may recognize the famous flute and English horn tunes, as well as the rollicking galop from the well-known overture. Next, Dobbs will perform eight short concert pieces by Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875).
The second half of the program will begin with one of the most treasured and enduring works in the woodwind repertoire from the 19th century, “Three Romances” for oboe and piano by Robert Schumann (1810-1856). The program concludes with “Pastorale” for flute, oboe and piano by Alsatian/Parisian composer Jean Baptiste Weckerlin (1821-1910).
For more information, visit marshall.edu/cam.
—————–
Photos: From top, Dr. Wendell Dobbs, flute, Dr. Richard Kravchak, oboe, and Dr. Henning Vauth, piano, will perform at Marshall University Sept. 3.