How fast can a flutist play the flute?
That question will be answered 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, when Dolce Flutes perform a free concert at Liverpool Public Library featuring Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s delightful and dynamic “Flight of the Bumblebee.”
The interlude closes Act III, Tableau 1 of Korsakov’s 1900 opera “The Tale of Tsar Saltan” during which the magic Swan-Bird changes Prince Gvidon Saltanovich (the Tsar’s son) into an insect so that he can fly away to visit his father who doesn’t know that he is alive.
Frantic flight
“Flight of the Bumblebee” is well-known for its frantic pace when played up to tempo, with nearly uninterrupted runs of chromatic 16th notes. It is not so much the pitch or range of the notes that challenges the musician, but it certainly takes an especially quick and agile player to keep up with the pace of the piece.
Although the original orchestral version mercifully assigned portions of the 16th-note runs to various instruments in tandem, in the century since its composition the “Bumblebee” has become a showcase for solo instrumental virtuosity, whether on the original violin or on any other instrument.
From ‘Hornet’ to heavy metal
For instance, heavy metal guitarists such as Joey Demaio from the band Manowar have enjoyed showing off their speed on the six-string by playing Korsakov’s masterpiece.
The classical composition has become a staple of popular culture, notably as the theme music to radio’s “The Green Hornet” and more recently on the hit TV series “Glee” in which an a cappella version was used as background for an episode named “Throwdown.” It’s also on the soundtrack to the 2010 movie “The Karate Kid.”
Dolce Flutes
Dolce Flutes is a professional quartet featuring Kelly Covert, Dana DiGennaro, Martha Grener and Jeanne Pizzuto-Sauve. When they perform here Sunday as part of the Arts Alive series at Liverpool Library’s Carman Community Room, the foursome will not only tackle the frantic “Flight,” they’ll also play Mozart’s Sinfonia from “The Marriage of Figaro” and a Pastoral on Northeast Indian tunes by Arts Alive Director Ralph D’Mello.
Three new Chamber directors
Eagle Newspapers’ advertising representative Carol Eggert was among three candidates winning seats on the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in December. Also elected were Anthony Carrangelo, a.k.a. The Growth Coach, and Linda Liberatore of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church. Liberatore will serve until 2012, while Eggert’s and Carrangelo’s terms expire in 2013.
Humor and food in focus
Yvonne Conte thinks you need a good sense of humor to get through life.
The WSEN radio personality who works as a stress-management consultant will discuss her newest book “Cry, Laugh, Cook!” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St. at the corner of Second Street, in Liverpool.
Conte’s presentation is part of the library’s Recipe for a Better Life series.
“Cry, Laugh, Cook!” is a collection of funny stories, family recipes and tips demonstrating the health benefits of positive thinking and laughter. If you’re more interested in food than fun, recipes from Conte’s book will be prepared and served at the library.
