Aeolus Recorder Konsort

Aeolus Recorder Konsort Workshop with Martha Bixler

The Aeolus Recorder Konsort (an Arkansas Chapter of the American Recorder Society) sponsored a Recorder Workshop with Martha Bixler entitled "The Many Faces of Orlando di Lasso" on Saturday, March 9, 2002 from 10:00 to 3:30 at the Darragh Center, Central Arkansas Library, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock. Players (all levels) of recorder and other early instruments  interested in the music of Orlando di Lasso and of the renaissance era were welcomed.

On Friday, March 8, and Sunday, March 10, Ms. Bixler was available to teach private lessons or coach small groups (duos, trios, quartets).  These hour-long sessions were scheduled for Friday at 9:30, 11:00, 1:30, 3:00, and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. 

Ms. Bixler led the workshop with discussion and presentation of the music of Orlando di Lasso:

• Echo Song, [Olà! o che bon eccho!], for Double Choir, by Orlando di Lasso (1530-1594)
• Hor Che La Nuova E Vaga Primavera, for Double Choir, by Orlando di Lasso (1530-1594)
• Bon Jour, Mon Coeur, Chanson, by Orlando di Lasso (1530-1594)
• Ein Esel und das Nüssbawmholtz, by Orlando di Lasso (1530-1594)
• La Nuit Froide et Sombre, by Orlando di Lasso (1530-1594)
• Matona Mia Cara, Roland de Lassus, by Orlando di Lasso (1530-1594)

Twenty-three people participated, from Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and from Bella Vista, AR as well as members of the local chapter. An exchange student from Germany, two high school students from a local high school, who observed, and a local violinist interested in the music of this era also were present. Martha Bixler is past-president of the American Recorder Society, and renowned nationally as a teacher and workshop leader.

Players brought many different instruments to the workshop, including the sub-contra bass recorder shown here.  Although expensive to buy, the sub-contra bass recorder makes a fine sound.  Even one in a large group of fifty or more players produces an impressive effect.