Dr. Robert Carl's music finds its roots in the spirit of eclectic juxtapositions, transcendentalism, and experiment as embodied in the works of American modernist composers Charles Ives and Carl Ruggles.
Until 1997, Carl mined the musical past for its riches, exploring a variety of styles to create new expression through unique syntheses. His music started to become less referential after that, and in 2001 he developed a technique of basing harmonies on the overtone series.
"Shake the Tree" (2005) for piano four-hands is an example of such and will be performed on February 6 as the finale of the Guest Composer's Concert by WSU music faculty Jeffrey Savage and Karen Hsiao Savage.
The concert will also include the world premiere of "Brown Velvet" (2009), composed by Carl for the 2010 Festival of Contemporary Art Music and performed by WSU music faculty Ryan Hare on bassoon and Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn on the computer.
February 4–6, 2010
The Festival of Contemporary Art Music celebrates art music of our own time. Works by student and faculty composers are highlighted along with those of the visiting composer.
The festival is deemed important by music faculty and students as well as the University because it celebrates contemporary art music and promotes composers who create it.
"Without the festival, and others like it, young people might not be introduced to this music," says Dr. Charles Argersinger, professor emeritus and festival creator. "It really is in danger of becoming extinct."
The 2010 Festival of Contemporary Art Music is made possible through generous support from the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Music. The festival was founded in 1989 by Dr. Argersinger.