PERRY COMBS (Viola) and BENNETT RANDMAN (Cello)
at APAC, September 2, 1997.

This program was advertised accurately as featuring baroque music.
Although a bit narrow, in that only two instruments were used
(Viola and Cello), both unaccompanied, and music of only two
composers - Telemann & Bach - was played, there was considerable
variety. Combs provided the first part, playing the Telemann
Fantasias Nos. VII through X for unaccompanied viola. He prefaced
these with some informal remarks about how a single instrument
playing one note at the time (for the most part) could simulate
harmony. These remarks were clearly aimed at the APAC students, 
but were quite appropriate. The scores for these fantasias was 
projected onto a screen, which was helpful or distracting, depending 
on your viewpoint (I haven't decided what my viewpoint is!) His
playing was warm and effective, although he reminded the audience
that this was a modern - as opposed to historically authentic -
performance. 

   Randmann then played the Suite in D Major (BWV 1012) for
unaccompanied cello by Bach. This suite, comprising seven movements,
featured more chords, especially in the later movements, than the 
Telemann did. This, and the different rhythms of the various 
movements, provided ample variety in sound and texture (rhythmic 
differences also provided variety in the Telemann pieces, as it did 
in the Anner Bylsma concert last spring - see review). Randmann 
clearly enjoyed this suite, as did the audience. The gavottes 
(I & II) I found especially enjoyable, even humorous in a spot or
two. 
 
   All in all this was an hour well spent.

                                               - Glenn A. Gentry