U.S. Military Academy features clarinet quartet recital on Jan. 28

West Point — The West Point Clarinet Quartet will perform a free public recital on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. in the West Point Jewish Chapel. They will perform the music of Prokofiev, Hovhanness and Piazzolla. Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) took the tango from a popular dance form and made it into art. Four, for Tango (1987) contains remarkable instrumental vigor, powerful rhythm, aggressive and passionate sonorities, with a characteristic taste of Buenos Aires nostalgia. Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) was an American composer of Armenian and Scottish descent. His music is accessible to the lay listener and often evokes a mood of mystery or contemplation. The Boston Globe music critic Richard Buell wrote: “Although he has been stereotyped as a self-consciously Armenian composer, his output assimilates the music of many cultures. What may be most American about all of it is the way it turns its materials into a kind of exoticism. The atmosphere is hushed, reverential, mystical, nostalgic.” Hovanness was among the most prolific composers of the 20th century, composing 67 symphonies and more than 400 opus numbers. The quartet will perform Hovhanness’ Divertimento, Op. 61 No. 5. Allow extra travel time for the 100% vehicle and photo I.D. inspection at Stony Lonesome and Thayer gates. For concert information, cancellations and updates call the Academy Band’s 24-hour hotline at 845-938-2617 or visit us on the Internet at www.usma.edu/band/.