What is Music Made of?

Wood, hair, callused fingers, a seeking spirit, tree sap, and gut… This interactive cello recital/music-dissection is an introduction to the miraculous combination of “materials” that comprise an orchestra and follows music back in time, around the world, and into the substances of the earth and the imagination. Be transported to the sunlit sanctuary of Bologna’s ancient San Petronio Basilica in 1689. Tackle the riddles ofJohann Sebastian Bach. Enjoy a sonic meditation, and open your ears to your own memories and visions, as we investigate the question: What is music made of?

Presented by Evan Leslie, managing director of the Texas Music Festival and director of community arts at the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, University of Houston, we will be treated to selections of ricercari by Domenico Gabrielli (Italian, 1651–1690), preludes and dances from the unaccompanied cello suites by Johann Sebastian Bach (German, 1685–1750), sonic meditations by Pauline Oliveros (American, 1932–2016), and other songs and musical games.