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The Marine Chamber Music Series continues at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, with a program consisting of American, English, German, and Argentinian music. Coordinated by percussionist Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Grant, the performance will take place in John Philip Sousa Band Hall online and in person at the Marine Barracks Annex in southeast Washington, D.C.

Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Rachel Ghadiali

Feb. 12 Chamber Concert

7 Feb 2023 | Gunnery Sgt. Rachel Ghadiali United States Marine Band

The Marine Chamber Music Series continues at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, with a program consisting of American, English, German, and Argentinian music. Coordinated by percussionist Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Grant, the performance will take place in John Philip Sousa Band Hall online and in person at the Marine Barracks Annex in southeast Washington, D.C. Grant offered the following on the program:

As a newer member of the Marine Band, I am constantly reminded and impressed by how much musical ground we cover and how incredibly versatile and skilled my colleagues are, so my goal was to showcase as many different instrumentalists, genres and composers as possible as a reflection of the entire organization. 

The program will begin with just two instruments–timpani and snare drum–on Geaux by Joe Moore III written just five years ago. I love the different feels, colors and textures the composer explores in just a short time between these two instruments. Timpani has always been a favorite instrument of mine, and this piece molds together many of the great sounds the timpani can offer. The program continues with another fairly new piece, Luminosity written in 2016 by Jessica Meyer, which will flow nicely out of the timpani and snare drum duet and show off the brass quintet.

I decided that the program needed a bit of an energetic and lyrical piece from generations past to follow these two contemporary compositions. Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, Opus 95 is very lively in the first movement and stands the test of time. To me, it is one of his most beautiful works for quartet. Then the Trio for Piano, Oboe and Flute by Madeline Dring is truly a joy to listen to–it would be a challenge for anyone not to have a teary-eyed smile during the second movement.

Closing out the program is Argentinian composer Alejandro Viñao’s Estudios de Frontera, one of the most challenging and complex pieces in our fieId, in my opinion. I first encountered it while working on my Masters degree at the University of Michigan; I have been magnetized to Viñao’s rich harmonies and complex rhythms for years.

The concert is free and open to the public; no tickets required. The Marine Barracks Annex is located at 1053 7th Street SE in Washington, DC, and free parking is available in the gated lot beneath the bridge on 7th Street. Please allow extra time for ID checks and security at the gate.

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