Pedro Paz (Horn) on MFP

I have been a part of several programs in this ensemble, and from experience, I have seen some programs that were interesting and some that were a little challenging to understand. This program definitely falls into the interesting category. I have found that sometimes music without lyrics (classical music, wind band, etc.)  causes a major challenge for listeners. The challenge is to paint your own idea and interpretation of what the composer is trying to convey without much insight into the composer's thoughts and feelings that spurred the composition. However, this program connects the dots with its background. Two of the pieces on the program give the listener a starting point that provides an emotional connection with what will be played. Lubos Fiser's Report and Karel Husa's Music for Prague 1968 both deal with the Soviet Union's invasion of Prague to end the Prague Spring Movement. Although the death count did not surpass 110 people, the invasion stirred up fear and oppressed the voices and ideas of millions. The lack of resources, time and money left the Czech people powerless. With these events in mind, these two pieces have the power to turn the gravity of this situation into something very real to all of us.