Dr. Tom Curry is scheduled to perform a solo tuba recital that includes non-traditional performance techniques and settings, the application of electronics and fixed media, and improvisation on Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Mathes Recital Hall.
Curry has been a part of the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Mead Witter School of Music since 2014. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree and a Master of Music degree in tuba performance from Northwestern University.
“One of my favorite aspects of this performance is the element of improvisation,” Curry said. “I like that every concert is different, and that there are many moments throughout the recital where I do not know what is going to happen. When combined with the unpredictability of the technology I will be using, improvisation creates a lot of unknowns.”
The tuba performance consists mostly of Curry’s own music. His personal compositions are “Arising, Changing, Passing Away” for tuba; a live electronics and fixed media piece entitled, “One of Us is a Wolf,” which is an improvisation for tuba and live electronics; and “A Series of Borders” for tuba and fixed media.
In addition, Curry will perform two pieces by other composers: “The Sirens” by Judd Greenstein, which is a transcription of a piece originally for baritone saxophone, and “Kairos” by Daniel Grabois, who is Curry’s friend and horn colleague at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I am attempting to create a cohesive aesthetic,” said Curry. “My goal is for the concert to be an immersive experience. The performance is about an hour long, and there will be no breaks between pieces. It is a lot to ask an audience to stay with a single performance for such a sustained period of time, but I hope the experience is worth the attention in the end.”
Each piece has a theme of its own. “Arising, Changing, Passing Away” is based on an experience Curry had while meditating. It is meant to reflect the ecstasy of discovery, then the grief and loss which accompany the passing of that experience.
“One of Us is a Wolf” asks the audience members to seek out patterns – musical or otherwise – and, at times, includes an overwhelming wash of noise and sound.
“A Series of Borders” was created as a reaction to the migrant crisis in Europe and the Middle East. It is a personal reaction to a global issue and carries Curry’s own sense of sadness and helplessness as thematic elements.
“I hope the concert will be an immersive experience,” Curry said. “There will definitely be enough straightforward tuba playing to appeal to people who are interested in that aspect of the performance. In addition, though, I hope a sense of exploration and experimentation will hold some appeal for the audience.”
Admission is free, and it is open to the public.
