Classical Revolution in Indianapolis by Classical Music Indy
Classical Revolution in Indianapolis by Classical Music Indy
Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of participating in Indianapolis’ version of classical revolution at the Chatterbox Jazz Club. Drinks were had, friends were made, and music was played.
The Chatterbox is a fun little hole in the wall off of Massachusetts Avenue. The club hosts musicians on a nightly basis. If you ever want to hear great live music, I strongly urge you to make a night out of it and head over to the Chatterbox. The stage is the perfect size for a jazz combo or a string quartet.
The string quartet that played last night was made up of ISO musicians. Two violins, a viola, and a… bassoon? That’s right, Mark Ortwein was filling in with the quartet last night. The quartet couldn’t quite find a cellist in time for the gig, so they had Mark come and lay it down. Lay it down he did. I couldn’t believe how great Beethoven’s String Quartet in C minor Op. 18, No. 4 sounded with the added color of Ortwein’s bassoon playing. The other members of the string quartet were Sherry Hong on violin, Patrick Dalton-Holmes on violin, and Kathy Hershberger on viola.
Both Patrick Dalton-Holmes and Kathy Hershberger played outstanding solos later in the evening. These artists exemplify the most supreme level of technical capability. Dalton-Holmes nearly silenced the whole room with his slow-movement playing. The raucous drinkers stopped carrying on just to listen to his outstanding expression. Hershberger’s poise and grace brought forth cheers from the audience at the conclusion of each movement she played. I was fortunate enough to get to play Willson Osborne’s Rhapsody for solo clarinet as well. The quasi-improvisational piece was well received amongst the crowd.
“good music is just good music, and you know it when you hear it.”
While this was not my first time playing classical at a bar, I am always pleasantly surprised at how responsive the audience can be in this setting. People cheer, clap, drink, carry on, and just love the music. This affirms what I have always believed—genres are a nice way of categorizing things, but good music is just good music, and you know it when you hear it.
Indy’s Classical Revolution happens on the first Tuesday of every month at the Chatterbox Jazz Club. I will definitely be back next month. Will you join me?
I hope to see you there!