Faculty Recital to Feature Rare Horn

January 19, 2011

A rare instrument will be a part of the concert when SUNY Plattsburgh’s Ann Ellsworth and her guests take the stage for a faculty recital this February.

Ellsworth and Katharine Dain, Ranate Rolfing and Alicia Choi will perform works by Mozart, Wagenseil, Emperor Franz Joseph, Eberlin and others Friday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Krinovitz Recital Hall, Hawkins Hall.

The event will feature Ellsworth performing on a soprano horn, a rare instrument made by the German horn maker Alexander Mainz. Only eight horns were made. They were designed specifically for playing the extremely high register found in certain Bach cantatas.

“I feel this horn will best match the pure and expressive quality of soprano Katharine Dain’s voice” explained Ellsworth. “Dain brings not only her scholarship but years of experience to her studied interpretation.”

Rohlfing, a long time collaborator and friend of Ellsworth, will play SUNY Plattsburgh’s Steinway D piano.

Choi is joining the group as a special guest violinist.

The program came about when Rolfing, Dain and Ellsworth began exploring the limited but compelling repertoire that flourished under the Hapsburgs during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. All three are experts in performing music from the Renaissance era to the present day.

“The music from this particular period crosses the Baroque and Classical eras and is uniquely known for its clarity, beauty and transcendent melodic lines” said Ellsworth.

Following the concert, the performers will invite the audience to stay for a brief question and answer session. Admission is free and open to the public.