bells of the cascades, 12/2023

 brilliant, intricate patterns

and rhythms, quick runs

of an octave or more

rung up and down from one

four-in-hand handbell ringer

to the next and back again

too fast for audience to catch

each twist and pump of fist

that creates the music

that mesmerizes and awes

high impact concert

high impact concert

Bells of the Cascades

intense individual musicians side by side, playing only

their own few notes as though D through F# on the piano

but creating a musical whole, ensemble

rapid runs, trills, intricate rhythms, varying techniques requiring skill

practiced change from mallet to ring to damping sound on padded table

to switching to chime rung or bowed

dedicated to difficult, complex, ethereal or passionate expression

rapt audience watching, listening

rising to their feet to acknowledge these incredible players made one

by genius young director Matthew Compton