Violinist Scott Conklin, pianist Alan Huckleberry, and bassoonist Ben Coelho will perform three works by Matthew Arndt, University of Iowa associate professor of music theory, Wednesday, May 8, at Lisbon Library’s Heritage Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
The recital will include:
• A haunting and prayerful arrangement of a whale song recorded in Bermuda in 1964.
• A sonata in five movements, mostly lighthearted and ebullient, with some tender and reflective parts; the work is neoclassical mixed with blues, some other pop stylings, and a snatch of birdsong.
• A minimalist work that emulates the prayers used with a kind of Christian prayer rope called a lestovka, featuring 100 repetitions of the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The tone is grounded, heartfelt, and deeply consoling, with some influence of Georgian music.
Note: The songs are all instrumental. All the prayers are configured purely musically.