Many of us have lamented the fact that Bach was never given an accordion as a child, and some musicians have tried to rectify this oversight. In some ways, Bach’s music is a comfortable fit, and not simply because of its similarities to the organ. The accordion is actually two instruments, the keyboard and bass, each with its own sound and character. This allows the listener to more fully enjoy his music, since the different voices in his musical conversations can be more easily distinguished.

Stanley Oropesa teaches English and Humanities at East L A College and spends too much time composing. He has just recorded a score for a television series about the adventures of a circus performer determined to live a normal life in Los Angeles. The central melody shows what might have happened if Bach had tried to write ragtime.

stanoropesa@hotmail.com

(Stanley Oropesa returns for his second consecutive year with Bach in the Subways)

Students perform musical selections by Bach

students perform the music of JS Bach

Noir Quartet is a premiere So-Cal based saxophone quartet featuring modern works and standard repertoire for four saxophones.

Noir Quartet was formed over a lunch back in May of 2013. Cameron, Laura, and Lee all went to school together at USC’s Thornton School of Music and have worked together in various musical capacities, including chamber ensembles, orchestras, wind ensembles, recording sessions, and new music performances. The newest member, Nicholas Casillas, a graduate of UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, merged his talents with Noir Quartet in January of this year. Together, these four saxophonists and educators blend their artistry, creating a unique and captivating ensemble. Their repertoire includes everything from Bach to Ellington, as well as standard repertoire and new music written for the saxophone quartet idiom.

This is the Noir Quartet’s 2nd year with Bach in the Subways.