Combining a lecture and recital into one event, Dr. Ernest Harriss, professor of Music, presented an evening of music in tribute of Johann Adolph Hasse, an 18th century composer.

Harriss’s goal was to bring recognition to the virtually unknown composer whose music was very influential to the growth of music during his time period.

“I’ve never heard of Hasse before, nor have I ever performed anything by him,” said James Truett, a senior Pre-Med major from Jackson. “After performing in the concert, I have come to appreciate his works.”

The format of the recital consisted of Harriss lecturing about each piece before it was performed.

The recital opened with a Sonata for flute and continuo in D Major.

Dr. Elaine Harriss, associate professor of Music, played the flute, something that women did not perform in public during the 18th century; John Steffa played the cello; and Scott Roberts, assistant professor of Music, played the harpsichord. Larghetto, the third movement, was a great piece to showcase the serene sound of the flute. Both the cello and the harpsichord complemented the flute well.

“This was the first time I had the opportunity to see the University Singers,” said Stephanie Raines, a senior Graphic Design major from Union City. “I had no idea that we had so many talented students at our school. The concert was great.” Hasse also composed vocal pieces as well as instrumental pieces.

Three Arias from Piramo e Tisbe is an operatic piece performed by Jennifer Hill Cook, a guest vocalist who sang soprano; Margaret Olson, assistant professor of Music sang soprano; and Dr. Kevin Lambert, chair of the Music department, sang tenor.

The piece is similar to that of a Romeo and Juliet piece where two young lovers are pursuing their relationship, against the will of their families.

“It’s enlightening to study and performthe music of an unrelatively unknown composer,” said Margaret Olson, “who achieved greatness in his time, but is not known today.” The University Singers, Hasse orchestra and the three vocalists finished the evening with Mass in D Minor.

The fourth movement of the piece, Gloria, truly showcased the talents of all the students, faculty and guests who performed. The vocals were angelic and the instrumental was vivacious.

“Gloria was a great movement in Mass in D Minor to perform,” said Brooke McGee, a junior Secondary Education and Math major from Linden. “We got a chance to sing something fun. I felt that it was more of a praising song than the other movements in Mass in D Minor.”

The orchestra consisted of Elaine Harriss and Charles Lewis on flute; Lauren Murray and Alix Miller on oboe; Michael Hernon and Derek Cook on horn; Joe Bowman and Kevin Price on trumpet; Mel Gilhaus and Carla Field on first violins; Ann Spurbeck and Janice Daugherty on second violins; Nancy Steffa on viola; John Steffa on cello; and Scott Roberts on harpsichord.

For more information about future events, call 587-7402.